Couples therapy aids partners in navigating rocky phases in their relationships. This psychotherapy form focuses on the dynamics between two individuals in a committed relationship, aiming to enhance their understanding of each other. Therapy sessions provide a protected space, where a therapist assists the couple in understanding their relationship patterns. A variety of treatment strategies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy, are used in couples therapy.

Therapy is not only for couples in crisis, it can also help those seeking to refine their relationship skills. According to Linda Carroll, a licensed marriage, and family therapist, it aids in understanding how couples ended up in their current situation and leading them out. A successful outcome in therapy isn't always saving the relationship but can also include the couple amicably choosing to separate.

Couples therapy is flexible, and sessions can take place in-person or virtually, with no significant difference in outcomes noted between the two modes. It has evolved to cater to diverse types of couples, including LGBTQ+ pairs and stepfamilies.

Common issues addressed in couples therapy range from unhelpful communication habits, constant arguing, emotional disconnection, trust, or commitment issues, sexual intimacy problems, and conflicts stemming from differences in parenting styles or financial disagreements.

Research indicates that couples therapy can improve relationship satisfaction, communication, problem-solving, and resolution of needs and feelings. However, the effectiveness of couples therapy is commonly higher in research studies than in clinical practice, and benefits may fade over time for some couples.

Before beginning couples therapy, it's important to set goals for what you hope to achieve. Sessions are tailor-made to fit each couple's needs and goals and typically take place once a week for about an hour.

While couples therapy can be beneficial for many, it may not work for those dealing with addiction, affairs, or abuse, or those unwilling to examine their own contributions to relationship problems. In such cases, individual therapy may be more appropriate.