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Couples therapy

Every relationship gets stuck at times. That says nothing about your love, but something about the patterns that have formed. Couples therapy helps you make those patterns visible and break them.

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is help with problems in a romantic relationship, but also in other important relationships such as those with relatives or friends. A couples therapist looks at your dynamic with a neutral eye and helps you talk with each other differently.

Couples therapy is not about who is right. It is about breaking the patterns that drive you apart and finding contact, understanding and connection again. That is sometimes hard, but research shows that the large majority of couples who follow couples therapy come out of it stronger.

Several forms of couples therapy are available on PsyIntake: EFT, IBCT and systemic therapy. The provider decides together with you which approach fits best.

Scientific basis: couples therapy is a proven effective treatment. EFT shows recovery of relationship satisfaction in a clear majority of couples (Johnson, 2004). IBCT shows comparable results, including in the more difficult cases (Christensen et al., 2010, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology). The APA recognises both EFT and IBCT as empirically supported treatments.

Who is it for?

✓Persistent communication problems
✓Conflicts that keep returning without resolution
✓Loss of intimacy or connection
✓Working through infidelity
✓Preparing for major life changes
✓When only one partner wants to come (individual couples therapy)

Related complaints

Relationship problemsMarriage problemsAttachment issuesDivorceLoneliness

Related treatments

EFTIBCTSystemic therapySchema therapy

Frequently asked questions

Do we have to come together?
That is the ideal, but it is not always possible. Individual couples therapy is effective too. If you break the pattern, the dynamic in the relationship changes as well.
What if we have already decided to separate?
Couples therapy can also help you through a separation, so that you can do it in a constructive way.
Is couples therapy reimbursed?
Couples therapy is not reimbursed care. Some employers cover it through their working conditions policy. Ask your employer.
How long does a course of treatment take?
On average 12 to 20 sessions, depending on the situation and the method chosen.

Ready for a first conversation?

Book an intake with a certified provider who specialises in couples therapy.

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Sources: Johnson (2004), The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy · Christensen et al. (2010), Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology