What to Expect in Couples Therapy

Couples therapy provides a structured and supportive space for partners to strengthen their relationship and work through challenges together. My approach integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, and the Gottman Method, created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman—both evidence-based models that emphasize emotional connection, effective communication, and sustainable relationship change.

Who is a Good Fit?

Couples therapy is most effective when both partners maintain some emotional investment in the relationship and are open to learning how each may have contributed to current difficulties. As Johnson (2004) notes, change is more likely when both individuals are:

Motivated to improve the relationship
Willing to explore their own behaviors and patterns
Open to taking emotional risks in the therapeutic process

Couples therapy is not recommended when:

One or both partners are in the process of clearly ending the relationship
There are active power and control dynamics (e.g., abuse)
An ongoing affair has not been resolved

Working Through Emotions

Therapy often surfaces strong emotions and occasional conflict—this is a natural part of meaningful relational work. Partners are encouraged to avoid using session content to blame or criticize one another outside of therapy. Instead, we focus on building emotional safety and connection in session.

What Are Sessions Like?

Initial Assessment (First Four Sessions):

Session 1: Joint session focused on understanding the relationship’s history, key challenges, and goals for therapy.
Sessions 2 & 3: Individual sessions with each partner to explore personal history, values, and experiences.
Session 4: A couple session to review assessment findings, determine therapy fit, set shared goals, and identify early relationship patterns.

Ongoing Sessions:

Each session is guided by the couple’s goals and current relational dynamics.
I remain neutral, supporting the relationship rather than taking sides.
I strive to ensure both partners feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe.
I observe and provide feedback on interaction patterns and may gently challenge each partner to foster insight, growth, and accountability.

Outcomes and Commitment

While many couples experience renewed connection and improved communication, therapy outcomes depend on each partner’s commitment and willingness to engage. In some cases, therapy helps partners make thoughtful, respectful decisions about the future of their relationship, including whether to remain together.

The length and course of therapy vary depending on the couple’s goals, history, and openness to mutual self-reflection.