Author: Nicole Palaio, MS, LPC
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling are a form of psychotherapy specifically designed to help partners in a romantic relationship address challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional connection. It provides a safe, neutral space for both partners to explore their feelings, understand each other’s perspectives, and work toward shared goals.
What Can Couples Therapy Help With?
Couples therapy can address a wide variety of concerns, including:
- Communication difficulties and conflict resolution
- Infidelity or breaches of trust
- Financial disagreements
- Parenting or family planning conflicts
- Intimacy and emotional disconnection
- Anger or resentment
- Career stress or life transitions impacting the relationship
- Separation or divorce considerations
It can help partners identify patterns, rebuild trust, and foster mutual understanding while learning healthy ways to navigate challenges together.
Can I Use My Individual Therapist for Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling?
Couples therapy requires a neutral, unbiased perspective to ensure that both partners feel heard and understood. Having the same therapist for individual and couples therapy could potentially compromise neutrality or make it harder to address the shared dynamics of the relationship. An easy way to explain this, is that the partner who is not engaged with the couples therapist for individual work, may be more likely to feel that the therapist will “side” with their partner, or may feel that their partner’s perspective is more important to the therapist (even if this is not true). A trained couples therapist is skilled in managing relational dynamics, focusing on shared challenges without judgment, and creating a safe, non-biased environment for both partners. This neutrality helps ensure that each partner has the opportunity to share their perspective openly while fostering better communication.
How is Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling Different from Individual Therapy?
The key difference lies in the focus and structure:
- Individual therapy focuses on a single person’s thoughts, feelings, and personal struggles to foster individual growth and healing.
- Couples therapy focuses on the relationship between two individuals, addressing patterns of interaction, shared conflicts, and communication challenges.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Couples Therapist or Marriage Counselor?
When selecting a couples therapist, consider these factors:
- Experience and credentials: Look for a therapist trained and certified in couples or marriage counseling.
- Approach and style: Therapists may use different therapeutic models, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Choose a therapist whose approach aligns with your needs and goals.
- Comfort and rapport: Feeling safe, heard, and understood is vital for progress. Choose a therapist with whom both partners feel comfortable.
- Availability and location: Assess whether the therapist’s schedule and location (in-person or online) are convenient for both partners for couples therapy or marriage counseling.
- Cultural sensitivity: Choose a therapist who respects and understands your background, values, and experiences.
How Do I Prepare for Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling?
Preparation can maximize the effectiveness of therapy. Here are some tips:
- Commit to the process: Both partners should be ready to engage openly and honestly without defensiveness.
- Set shared goals: Discuss what each partner wants to achieve through therapy and identify shared priorities.
- Be willing to listen: Approach sessions with curiosity rather than judgment, focusing on understanding your partner’s perspective.
- Take responsibility for your part: Therapy is not about assigning blame; instead, focus on understanding your own behaviors and how they contribute to relational patterns.
- Stay patient: Change takes time, and therapy is a gradual process. Avoid rushing or expecting instant results.
What providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offer Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling?
Nicole Palaio, MS, LPC is a licensed clinical therapist offering virtual relationship, couples therapy and marriage counseling. Ms. Palaio employs evidence-based treatment approaches to address relationship challenges and provide compassionate, non-judgmental support. Services are tailored to each couple’s unique needs, whether it’s rebuilding communication, navigating life transitions, or resolving recurring conflicts. To learn more about Ms. Palaio, please visit our Provider Bios.
Why choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling and your other psychological needs?
Choosing Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers a number of advantages:
- Experienced, compassionate providers: Our team is composed of skilled clinicians specializing in relationship counseling and various mental health needs.
- Evidence-based approaches: We utilize proven therapeutic methods tailored to each couple’s unique challenges.
- Holistic support: Whether it’s couples therapy, individual therapy, medication management, or mental health assessments, they offer comprehensive care to address emotional and relational well-being.
- Convenience and flexibility: Offering both in-office and online therapy options ensures access and flexibility for all schedules and lifestyles.
- A collaborative, supportive environment: The team prioritizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners can feel heard and understood.
When seeking couples therapy or other mental health support, Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is dedicated to Normalizing Thorough, Thoughtful and Conscientious Mental Health Care.
Schedule with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling:
Call Now: 267-358-6155 x 1
Scheduling@RittenhousePA.com
Or Inquire Directly through our Contact Page
