Therapy for
Couples
How to know if we need couples therapy:
It can be hard to seek help, especially to invite someone into a space that is vulnerable and intimate. Despite stigma and stereotypes around therapy, seeking couple’s counseling doesn’t have to come just during a time of crisis in your relationship.
Common Myths About Couples Therapy
Many people believe that couples therapy is only for relationships in crisis or that it guarantees a "fix" for every problem. While therapy can indeed help navigate difficult times, it's also valuable for those looking to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, or explore new dynamics. Sometimes, therapy can also support couples in amicably parting ways. The reality is, couples therapy is not just for those on the brink of relationship disaster—it's a tool for growth, understanding, and connection at any stage of a relationship.
What Can Happen in Couples Therapy?
When you come to couples therapy, one of three outcomes typically unfolds:
Things will get better: Through guided conversations, improved communication, and deeper understanding, your relationship can grow stronger.
Things will stay the same: Sometimes, couples may realize they are not ready or willing to make changes, and that’s okay.
Things will end: Therapy can help couples navigate a compassionate and respectful separation if that’s the best path forward.
Why Seek Couples Therapy?
Couples come to therapy for many reasons, including but not limited to:
Life Transitions
Moving in together, getting married, having a child, facing illness, experiencing a loss, or relocating.
Communication Challenges
Improving how you talk to and understand each other.
Conflict Resolution
Learning to reduce conflict or establish safer ways to argue (check out our blog on the Rules of Fair Fighting).
Infidelity and Trust Issues
Rebuilding trust or addressing betrayals.
Exploring New Relationship Dynamics
Whether it’s polyamory, exploring sexuality, or redefining your relationship.
Intimacy Issues
Addressing the complexities of intimacy, which goes far beyond physical connection.
Who Can Benefit from Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy isn’t just for romantic partners. It’s also for:
Business partners
Friends navigating a challenging relationship
Co-parents working together for their children’s wellbeing
We are here to help you enhance your relationships — whether with family, friends, or romantic partners. If dating feels discouraging or anxiety is affecting your relationships, we’re ready to assist. If you’re dealing with the end of a friendship, we’ll stand by your side. If you’re aiming to set healthier boundaries with loved ones, we want to help you through it.
Our Approach to Couples Therapy:
At Stark Therapy Group, we use evidence-based principles and a compassionate, collaborative approach to help couples achieve their goals:
Gottman Institute Principles: We’ll meet you where you are, addressing challenges with loving kindness, curiosity, and practical tools, such as the antidotes to Gottman's "Four Horsemen" (contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling).
Collaborative and Person-Centered: You are the expert on your relationship. We bring the tools and guidance, helping you navigate challenges in real-time while teaching you to handle them independently.
Trauma-Informed: We understand the importance of building trust and safety, especially if there’s past trauma. We won't rush into deep issues without first establishing a secure foundation.
Focus on Safety: If abuse is present in the relationship, therapy is only effective if both partners are aware and the abusive partner is committed to change. If this isn’t the case, our priority is to keep the abused partner safe.
What You Can Expect from Couples Therapy:
You are the expert on you and your relationship. We are here to walk along side you as you navigate your life worth living. As relational and collaborative therapists, our Stark Therapy Group therapists are committed to come alongside you to help you learn and work towards the following in relationships:
Clearer, kinder, and more conscientious communication
Develop a stronger sense of connection and partnership
Empowerment to resolve conflicts effectively
Enhanced intimacy, both in and out of the bedroom
Individual growth in confidence in your value system
Develop a better understanding of your attachment styles and their impact on your relationship
Bringing playfulness and joyfulness back into your relationship
The Stark Difference
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The Stark Difference 〰️
Why Stark Therapy Group?
At Stark Therapy Group, we're more than just a neutral sounding board. We are not “blank slate therapists.” Our therapists actively engage with you, using humor and empathy to create a warm, supportive environment. We respect and value your expertise in your relationship, treating each partner as an autonomous individual without taking sides. Instead of merely observing, we work with you to navigate and improve your relationship dynamics. Reach out today to schedule a free consult call with one of our therapists!
Want to Learn More About All Things Relationships?
Check out these blogs:
Navigating Conflict: Rules of Fair Fighting and Healthy Communication in Relationships
Navigating Caregiver Burnout
Other Services:
Stark Therapy Group offers therapy for all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia. We offer a 3-tiered family based support for teens in eating disorder recovery. We also provide cutting edge trauma therapy called Brainspotting. We treat anxiety, depression and general mental health conditions. We offer 3-tiered family based support for teens with general mental health issues. We offer culturally competent therapy for BIPOC folks. We would love to help you on your mental health journey. Reach out today!
Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ section to find your answers.