Therapy & treatment
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, resolve conflict and strengthen their relationship. Learn common approaches, what sessions involve and when it may help.
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps partners understand and improve their relationship. It is for couples of any gender, sexual orientation or relationship stage — dating, living together, married or separating.
Common reasons people seek it
- Frequent conflict or communication breakdowns
- Loss of connection or intimacy
- Trust issues, including after infidelity
- Major transitions such as a new baby, relocation or illness
- Disagreements about finances, parenting or family
- Deciding whether to stay together or separate
Approaches
- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): focuses on emotional bonds and patterns of interaction.
- Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT): combines acceptance and behavior change.
- Gottman method: focuses on friendship, conflict management and shared meaning.
What to expect
Early sessions usually explore each partner’s perspective and the relationship’s history. Therapists often meet with partners together and sometimes individually. Many couples attend weekly or every other week.
When couples therapy may not be right
If there is ongoing violence, abuse or coercive control, joint therapy can increase risk. Individual support and safety planning are recommended first.
Related therapy approaches
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
Do both partners need to attend?
Is couples therapy safe if there is abuse?
References
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 8, 2026
- Last updated
- September 21, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending