Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Every relationship experiences challenges — whether it's a communication breakdown, unresolved conflict, or simply growing apart over time. But you don't have to face those challenges alone. Relationship counseling provides couples with the tools and space to strengthen their connection, resolve tensions, and rediscover what brought them together in the first place.
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
10038 Governor Lane Boulevard, Williamsport, Maryland 21795
Noelani Mcmahon is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Williamsport, Maryland. They treat Relationship Therapy, Drug Use, Performance Anxiety.
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
19310 159th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062
Vasyl Fausto is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Olathe, Kansas. They treat Relationship Therapy, Conflict Resolution, Financial Concerns.
Mercy is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW)
500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Janna Kidd is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) in Little Rock, Arkansas. They treat Relationship Therapy, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife, Suicidal Ideation.
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Psychotherapist, Community Resource, Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW)
4808 West 9th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67212
Jolene Morgan is a Psychotherapist in Wichita, Kansas. They treat Relationship Therapy, Self-Harm, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
5201 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California 95054
Mercy Fausto is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Santa Clara, California. They treat Relationship Therapy, Self-Harm, Family Caregiving Stress.
Mercy is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Relationship therapy — also known as couples counseling — is a specialized form of talk therapy that helps romantic partners improve their communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild intimacy. It's not just for couples in turmoil. Relationship therapy is beneficial for any partners seeking to strengthen their connection, navigate changes, or address concerns they may not know how to resolve on their own.
Some common reasons couples seek therapy include:
Relationship counseling is for everyone — whether you're married or dating, monogamous or polyamorous, heterosexual or LGBTQ+. It can also be helpful for co-parents, long-distance couples, or even those ending a relationship and seeking to do so respectfully.
With more people embracing online couples therapy, support is more accessible than ever — regardless of location or schedule.
This is one of the most common misconceptions — and one of the most damaging. Couples therapy is not only for relationships in crisis. In fact, some of the most successful outcomes come from couples who seek therapy early, before problems become entrenched.
Think of relationship counseling like preventative care: it can help you build stronger foundations, clarify shared goals, and learn healthier ways to navigate tension. Just like you wouldn't wait for a car to break down before getting a tune-up, it's wise to give your relationship attention before it's in distress.
Therapy can also be a proactive tool for:
You don't need to be on the verge of a breakup to benefit from online relationship therapy or in-person sessions. Many couples use therapy to grow together — not just survive together.
Ideally, both partners attend couples therapy. But even if only one person is willing, therapy can still be impactful.
Individual therapy can help you:
Sometimes, changes made by one partner can influence the whole relationship. In other cases, individual therapy can be a path to self-awareness and clarity, whether the relationship continues or not.
If your partner is hesitant, inviting them to one online couples therapy session can lower the barrier to entry — many people feel more open after meeting a nonjudgmental therapist.
While both can be helpful, they serve different purposes:
If you're unsure which is right for you, a therapist can help assess whether to begin with couples sessions or individual support.
Starting couples therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you're unsure what to expect. But a typical session with a skilled relationship therapist is designed to be a safe, respectful, and productive space where both partners are supported equally.
Initial Sessions: Getting to Know You
The first one to two sessions are usually focused on assessment and goal setting. Your therapist will likely ask:
Some therapists may conduct individual sessions with each partner to understand personal histories, attachment styles, or mental health considerations that affect the relationship dynamic.
The Therapist's Role
A couples therapist acts as a neutral facilitator — not a referee or judge. Their job is not to determine who's right or wrong, but to:
You can expect your therapist to guide conversations constructively, help de-escalate arguments, and model empathy and emotional regulation.
What You Might Do in Session
Each session is different depending on the issues being addressed, but common elements include:
Some sessions may feel emotionally intense — especially when past wounds or current betrayals are explored. Others might be light, hopeful, and even humorous. What matters most is consistency and commitment to the process.
Online vs. In-Person Sessions
With the rise of online relationship therapy, many couples find virtual sessions just as effective as in-person ones. Online therapy allows for greater flexibility, privacy, and comfort — especially for busy professionals, long-distance partners, or those who feel safer in a familiar space.
Regardless of format, a relationship counselor provides the container for deeper understanding and growth. Therapy is not about fixing your partner — it's about transforming how you relate to one another.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples notice improvements in just a few sessions. Others with deeper or more complex issues may work with a couples therapist for several months or longer.
Factors that affect progress include:
Typically, couples meet weekly at first, then shift to biweekly or monthly check-ins as things improve. Online relationship therapy can provide added flexibility, making it easier to stick with the process.
A trained relationship therapist will not take sides. Their role is to remain neutral and focus on the relationship dynamic, not on who is "right" or "wrong."
That said, they may challenge both partners — encouraging accountability, emotional honesty, and healthy communication. The goal isn't blame; it's insight and progress.
If either partner ever feels unheard or targeted, a good therapist will address this directly and help re-establish trust in the process. Safety and emotional balance are central to successful relationship counseling.
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy.
Communication issues often look like:
Relationship counseling teaches couples how to:
Improved communication isn't just about fewer fights — it's about feeling seen, respected, and emotionally connected.
Yes. Relationship therapy can be transformative for couples dealing with breaches of trust — including infidelity, emotional withdrawal, or deception.
When trust is broken, couples may experience:
A couples therapist can guide both partners through the process of:
Not all couples choose to stay together after a betrayal — and therapy can help with conscious separation when needed. But many couples do heal, often building a stronger connection through honest work and shared vulnerability.
Absolutely. Relationship counseling supports all relationship types, not just married heterosexual couples. It's beneficial for:
A culturally competent relationship therapist will respect and understand diverse identities and dynamics, creating a safe space for exploration and growth.
If you're unsure whether therapy will "get" your relationship, ask potential therapists about their experience with your relationship structure during an initial consultation.
Yes. Major life transitions — even joyful ones — can create stress in relationships. Common transitions include:
These events can disrupt roles, routines, intimacy, and emotional balance. Relationship therapy helps couples re-align, set new expectations, and support each other during times of change.
It's a place to process grief, joy, fear, and hope — together.
Every relationship goes through highs and lows. But the most resilient couples aren't the ones who never argue — they're the ones who seek support when they need it.
Whether you're navigating conflict, healing from betrayal, or simply hoping to reconnect, relationship counseling can help. A skilled relationship therapist offers tools, insight, and a space where both partners can feel seen and heard.
Whether you're attending in person or exploring online couples therapy, taking the first step is an act of love — for yourself, your partner, and your future together.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Relationship Therapy and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
