Love is a journey, not a destination. Sometimes, the path is smooth and scenic; other times, it’s rocky and confusing. When couples face challenges—communication breakdowns, trust issues, or emotional distance—it’s easy to feel lost and alone. But you don’t have to navigate those rough patches by yourself. Couples therapy offers a lifeline, a chance to reconnect, heal, and grow together.

If you’re wondering which therapy is best for couples, how to choose the right therapist, or what to expect from the process, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the most effective types of couples therapy, share insights from Dr. W. Robert Nay of McLean Psychological Practice, and provide actionable advice to help you make the best choice for your relationship.

Key Takeaways

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Why Couples Seek Therapy: More Than Just Fixing Problems

Couples therapy is often misunderstood. It’s not just for relationships on the brink of collapse. Many couples seek therapy proactively—to strengthen their bond, navigate life transitions, or simply improve communication. According to recent studies, over 70% of couples who attend therapy report significant improvements in their relationship satisfaction.

Common reasons couples come to therapy include:

Sarah and Mike, a couple from McLean, Virginia, came to Dr. Nay after years of feeling like they were drifting apart. “We stopped talking about our feelings and started avoiding each other,” Sarah says. Through therapy, they learned to communicate openly and rebuild their emotional connection. Today, they say therapy saved their marriage.

What Is Couples Therapy? How Does It Help?