Couples therapy involves confidential sessions where you and your loved one will have the opportunity to gain insight, hear and learn from each other—all with your therapist’s support and guidance. The goal is to have you both act as a team to work through your difficulties and find a way to move forward. Many couples feel anxious about trying couple therapy because of the stigma. What does this mean about my relationship? Are we not a happy couple anymore? What will my partner think when I say we should do marriage counseling? Some people try to tell themselves they don’t need help, that things are “fine.” And sometimes, one partner blames the other and believes that their issues are a one-way street. Regardless of your situation, cultural background, or relationship status, you and your partner can benefit from couples therapy sessions to:

• Access difficult thoughts and emotions

• Gain skills and tools for effective communication

• Open up, listen with patience, and intention

• Help you see, understand and respect each other

• Identify and address conflicts

• Discover underlying implications of obstacles

• Learn tactics to enhance your relationship

• Shift unhealthy habits to healthier and sustainable dynamics

• Revitalize your bond with your loved one

Joie de Vivre is an affirmative practice and celebrates the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer experience. Affirmative therapy embraces a positive view of LGBTQ+ identities and relationships.

Learn more about Affirmative Therapy.

Members of the community often reach out to us with concerns about whether the therapist they are matched with will be non-judgmental when disclosing their relationship preferences. For this reason, we felt it was important to include poly-affirming therapy in our list of specialties.

 We have therapists on staff who work with many members of the poly community, and who understand the unique stigmas and microaggressions that poly individuals may face when seeking therapy. We want to ensure you that this is a safe space to seek treatment and that we understand that your emotional safety while in session is paramount to successful treatment.

Your relationship doesn’t have to be in crisis for therapy to make a difference. Perhaps your relationship only needs a boost, a chance to reconnect and flourish. The truth is, every relationship can benefit from couples therapy. We all have space to grow and can lay the groundwork to prepare for challenges that may come our way. If you or your partner are struggling with any of the following relationship issues, couples therapy is advised:

• Frequent fights or conflicts

• Infidelity, trust, or commitment issues

• Difficult or problematic communication

• Trouble with sex life or intimacy

• Disagreements or strain over finances

• Feeling disconnected or misunderstood

• Complications with relatives (i.e., in-laws) and friends

• Problems related to raising children, parenting styles, and other family stressors

• Differences in beliefs and decision-making

• Major life changes

• Abuse or violent behavior

Couples counseling gives partners the opportunity to improve communication, strengthen intimacy and deal effectively with conflict. It is important to be each other’s best friend. A strong foundation of friendship protects your relationship from potential future issues of disconnecting from each other, loneliness or isolation.