What To Expect When You Sign Up for Couple Therapy

Couple therapy, also known as couples counseling or marriage counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the relationship between two individuals, either married for years, newly married, engaged, or in a committed relationship. It is a collaborative process that involves the couple working with a trained and licensed therapist to identify and address relationship issues and enhance intimacy and connection.

Couple therapy provides a structured and safe environment either online or physically for couples to communicate openly and honestly with each other. This can lead to improved understanding, empathy, and connection within the relationship.

The couple therapy approach adopted at Talk Space was developed on five decades of clinical psychology and marriage research conducted on over 3000 couples by the Gottman Institute and it is based on the idea that couples can learn new skills to manage conflict and improve their relationship by understanding the underlying dynamics that contribute to relationship difficulties.

Our couple therapy is a structured approach that includes several stages, including:

Assessment: During the initial session, the therapist will conduct an assessment of the couple’s relationship to identify the specific issues and challenges they are facing.

Building Trust and Emotional Connection: The therapist will work with the couple to build trust and emotional connection, which can help to reduce conflict and improve communication.

Identifying Patterns of Behavior: The therapist will help the couple to identify patterns of behavior that contribute to relationship difficulties, such as criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Developing a Plan for Change: The therapist will work with the couple to develop a plan for change that includes specific strategies for improving communication, managing conflict, and enhancing intimacy and connection.

Implementing the Plan: The therapist will work with the couple to implement the plan and provide support and guidance as they work to make changes in their relationship.

Monitoring Progress: The therapist will monitor the couple’s progress and provide feedback and guidance as needed to help them maintain their progress and continue to strengthen their relationship.

The structured method uses several evidence-based techniques, including couple therapy, education, and homework assignments, to help couples make positive changes in their relationship. The therapist will work with the couple to identify specific strategies that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.