Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy. Relationship therapy can help couples of all types recognize and resolve any conflicts and help improve their relationships. You are able to make decisions about whether to rebuild your relationship or go your separate ways. If a couple discovers that differences are irreconcilable, then it can be best to end the relationship, and sessions focus on skills for ending the relationship on good terms.

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Couples therapy is usually short term. It will typically involve both partners, but sometimes one partner will choose to also work with a therapist alone. The specific treatment plan will depend on the situation. Relationship therapy can be used to help partners in all types of intimate relationships. Some couples use this therapy to strengthen their sexual orientation relationships and gain a better understanding of each other. In other cases, couples seek relationship therapy to help with a troubled relationship. You can use this therapy to help with issues that include infidelity, anger, substance abuse, conflicts about child-rearing, and communication problems.

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During a session, you work with a therapist to learn skills to help your relationship, including how to discuss differences, problem-solving, and open communication. You talk about both the good and bad parts of the relationship and pinpoint issues to better understand the sources of the conflict. Together as a couple, you can learn how to identify problems without blame.

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There are some things to keep in mind about relationship therapy. It can be hard to talk about your problems, and you may notice that sessions pass in silence. You can go by yourself if your other half refuses. It can be more challenging to fix a relationship this way, but you can learn more about your behavior and reactions. You may have some homework after the session, and your therapist can suggest exercises to help you practice what you learned in your session.

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