Couples Counseling

Supporting stronger communication, deeper connection, and lasting partnership.
Happy couple holding each other

What Is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling—also known as couples therapy or relationship counseling—is a form of psychotherapy that helps partners improve their relationship. It provides a neutral, structured space to address conflict, repair emotional injuries, and build tools for effective communication, intimacy, and mutual understanding.

At Ascend Counseling & Wellness, we work with couples of all types—married or unmarried, LGBTQ+ or heterosexual, long-term or newly committed—offering evidence-based support tailored to your shared and individual needs.

Why Couples Seek Therapy

Couples pursue therapy for many reasons. Some want to resolve specific issues, while others are seeking to prevent future problems, strengthen connection, or navigate major transitions. Common reasons include:

  • Frequent arguments or communication breakdowns

  • Infidelity, betrayal, or loss of trust

  • Emotional distance or loss of intimacy

  • Parenting disagreements or family stressors

  • Life transitions, such as moving, job loss, or having children

  • Differences in values, goals, or cultural backgrounds

  • Sexual dissatisfaction or disconnection

  • Managing the effects of trauma or mental illness on the relationship

  • Pre-marital counseling or preparation for long-term commitment

Couples therapy is not about choosing sides—it’s about creating shared understanding and a healthier way forward together.

What to Expect in Sessions

What Happens in Couples Counseling?

Sessions typically last 50–60 minutes and involve both partners. A trained therapist facilitates honest, structured dialogue that helps you gain insight into your relationship dynamics and learn new ways of relating to each other.

You can expect:

  • A safe, nonjudgmental space to speak and be heard

  • Balanced attention to both partners’ perspectives

  • Identification of unhelpful patterns and interaction cycles

  • Skill-building in communication, listening, and conflict resolution

  • Exploration of emotional needs, attachment, and expectations

  • Tools for building intimacy, trust, and mutual respect

Sessions may include joint and individual work depending on your goals and comfort.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Our clinicians use evidence-based methods that are widely researched and proven effective in improving relationship satisfaction. These include:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – builds emotional security and deeper connection

  • The Gottman Method – emphasizes communication, conflict management, and relationship repair

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for couples – focuses on how thoughts and behaviors influence connection

  • Narrative Therapy – helps couples rewrite negative relational narratives

  • Solution-Focused Therapy – promotes short-term progress through strength-based goals

We also incorporate trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and gender-affirming practices as needed.

Who Is Couples Counseling For?

Couples therapy can benefit any partnership committed to improving their connection, whether you’re:

  • In a committed relationship or marriage

  • Recently engaged and seeking pre-marital support

  • Facing high-conflict patterns or communication issues

  • Recovering from betrayal or trust injuries

  • Feeling emotionally distant, disconnected, or “stuck”

  • Seeking help navigating external stressors affecting your relationship

You do not need to be in crisis—many couples use therapy to strengthen their bond and proactively build healthy habits.

Benefits of Couples Counseling

Couples counseling can provide both immediate improvements and long-term relationship resilience. Benefits may include:

  • Improved emotional intimacy and trust

  • Better conflict resolution and communication skills

  • Increased mutual respect and empathy

  • Stronger alignment on shared goals and values

  • Repaired connection after past hurt or betrayal

  • More fulfilling physical and emotional intimacy

  • Greater emotional safety and support in the relationship

Research supports the effectiveness of couples therapy in improving relationship satisfaction, conflict management, and individual mental health outcomes (Johnson et al., 2013; Gottman & Silver, 2015).

Our Team of Relationship Therapists

At Ascend Counseling & Wellness, our diverse team of clinicians includes specialists in couples and relationship dynamics. We’ll match you with a therapist whose approach and experience align with your relationship’s unique challenges and goals.

Our team includes expertise in:

  • High-conflict couples

  • Infidelity and trust recovery

  • LGBTQ+ partnerships

  • Parenting and co-parenting issues

  • Cross-cultural relationships

  • Attachment-based concerns

  • Trauma-informed couples work

Meet Our Team

Is Couples Counseling Right for You?

If your relationship feels disconnected, reactive, or overwhelmed by unspoken tension, couples counseling can help you reconnect, rebuild, and reimagine your future together. Whether you’re working through a crisis or simply want to invest in a healthier relationship, our therapists are here to guide and support both of you—equally.

struggling couple attending couples counseling

Have More Questions?

Contact us today via email, phone call, or text message.
Ascend Counseling & Wellness New Logo
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.