Couples therapy is for couples who are in a relationship, married or not. It is often referred to as marriage counseling. The goal of couples therapy is to improve the couples' relationship. This type of therapy can also help couples decide whether or not they should continue staying together. Although the focus of couples therapy is on the couple, there are times when the individual psychological issues of one or both parties need to be addressed.

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Therapy often includes sessions designed to improve problem solving, build communication skills, and identify life goals and relationship responsibilities. Other common issues include infidelity, financial problems, illness and other life changes, and anger.

 

Depending on the level of distress in the relationship, therapy can be short term or over a period of several months. While a licensed therapist can counsel couples, marriage and family therapists specialize in relationship issues.