Verified by 
Couples therapy is designed to help couples improve their communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship. It can be helpful for couples who are struggling with a variety of issues, such as infidelity, financial problems, or parenting problems. There is no relationship length limit to couples therapy, whether you've been together for a few months or a few years you can utilize this resource. Being married is also not a requirement.
During couples therapy, a therapist will help you and your partner to:
- Identify and understand the problems in your relationship
- Learn how to communicate more effectively
- Develop conflict-resolution skills
- Improve your emotional intimacy
Couples therapy can be beneficial for any couple struggling with their relationship. However, it is especially helpful for those experiencing the following:
- Communication problems
- Conflict
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Sexual problems
- Financial problems
- Parenting problems
- Major life changes, such as getting married, having children, or retiring
Take the following quiz to see if you should talk to your partner about couples therapy:
1. How often do you feel like you can talk to your partner about anything?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
2. How often do you feel like your partner understands you?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
3. How often do you feel like your partner is there for you when you need them?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
4. How often do you feel like you and your partner have fun together?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
5. How often do you feel like you and your partner are on the same page about important things?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
6. How often do you feel like you can trust your partner?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
7. How often do you feel like you are attracted to your partner?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
8. How often do you feel like you are in love with your partner?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
9. How often do you feel like you are happy in your relationship?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
10. How often do you feel like you and your partner are compatible?
(a) Always
(b) Usually
(c) Sometimes
(d) Rarely
(e) Never
Give yourself 1 point for each (a), 2 points for each (b), 3 points for each (c), 4 points for each (d), and 5 points for each (e).
Scores:
- 20-30 points: You are satisfied in your relationship but couples therapy can help if you have any improvements you’d like to make.
- 10-19 points: Your relationship is going OK. You may experience occasional issues, and couples therapy could be beneficial.
- 0-9 points: Your relationship is experiencing issues that couples therapy can address.
Couples therapy can be an effective way to improve your relationship. If you are thinking about it, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with couples. You should also make sure that you and your partner are both committed to working on your relationship. It may not be helpful if only one person is open to therapy or motivated to change.
To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
