Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling

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 and rebuilding trust
Financial disagreements
Parenting or family planning conflicts
Intimacy and emotional disconnection
Anger or resentment
Career stress or life transitions impacting the relationship
Separation, divorce, or relationship uncertainty

Couples therapy helps partners identify patterns, rebuild trust, and develop healthier communication skills to navigate challenges together.

Should We Use Our Individual Therapist for Couples Therapy?

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.

Couples Therapy vs. Individual Therapy

The key difference lies in the focus and structure:

Individual therapy supports one person’s emotional needs and mental health.
Couples therapy focuses on relational patterns, communication issues, and shared challenges between partners.

How to Choose a Couples Therapist

When selecting a couples therapist, consider these factors:

Specialized training in couples therapy or marriage counseling
A therapeutic approach – EFT, Gottman, CBT – that fits your needs
A therapist both partners feel comfortable with
Convenient scheduling and in-person or telehealth access for both partners
A therapist who respects both partners’ backgrounds and values

How to Prepare for Couples Therapy

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.

Couples Therapy Providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

Nicole Palaio, MS, LPC is offering Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

Sonya Mendelovich, BSW, MBA, is offering Supportive Couples Counseling through virtual sessions at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

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.

Sonya Mendelovich, BSW, MBA offers supportive couples counseling through virtual sessions. Ms. Mendelovich provides structured, goal-oriented support to couples navigating communication challenges, relationship stress, and life transitions. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, clarity of shared goals, and practical strategies to support healthier relationship dynamics.

Why choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Couples Therapy

Choosing Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers a number of advantages:

Specialized couples and marriage counseling from experienced clinicians
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.

Our team is committed to providing thoughtful, structured, and compassionate couples therapy that supports long-term relational health.

Where We Provide Couples Therapy

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers in-person couples therapy in Philadelphia, PA. Telehealth appointments are available across Pennsylvania.

Schedule Couples Therapy at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

Call Now: 267-358-6155 x 1

Scheduling@RittenhousePA.com

Or Inquire Directly through our Contact Page