Whether you need fine-tuning or a major relationship reset, couples therapy in the form of marriage counseling or premarital coaching helps partners improve communication, work through painful family issues, and build a satisfying, resilient partnership.
How Marriage Counseling Works
Couples therapy in Cambridge and the Boston area offers a structured space to learn better ways of communicating and to clarify each partner’s needs. It’s especially helpful when daily stresses erode patience, misunderstandings pile up, and it becomes hard to see one another’s perspective or solve problems together.
Communication During Life Transitions
Life events—welcoming a child, grieving a loss, launching adult children, career changes, retirement—often highlight patterns that once “worked” but no longer do. These moments can be the catalyst for addressing long-standing conflict and renewing your connection.
The Role of Premarital Counseling
For couples early in a relationship or preparing for commitment, premarital counseling can establish a strong foundation-—or help you decide on next steps. Ambivalence is common when moving in together or planning to marry. Working with a therapist at these critical junctures can clarify needs, values, and intentions for the future.
Common Questions about Couples Therapy
How often are sessions and for how long?
Generally sessions are weekly, but may be more or less frequent depending on the needs of the couple. Goal-focused work can be as brief as a few months when dealing with a specific issue (e.g., relocation decisions, home purchase, caring for an aging parent). Longer-standing patterns—-especially around communication-—often require more time and may extend a year or more.
What kind of credentials should a couples therapist have?
Look for a licensed clinician with substantial expertise treating couples. This might be reflected by training and supervising others who do marriage counseling, as well as by writing and speaking about couples therapy.
Can marriage counseling help with parenting issues?
Yes. Couples therapy provides a safe place to openly discuss concerns, to appreciate each other’s perspective, and present a more united front. It can be vital when helping to launch an adult son or daughter who is still living at home or in others ways, failing to launch.
We have different needs for time together vs. apart-—can therapy help?
Yes. Therapy can help you negotiate a healthy balance between individual and shared activities, aligning expectations around boundaries, autonomy, and closeness.
Can therapy help if we have decided to separate?
Yes. Especially when children are involved, counseling can ease the transition, clarify timing and living arrangements, and help you communicate with your family in a thoughtful way. It can also help pave the way for a positive relationship post-separation.
Does insurance cover the cost of couples therapy?
Generally, couples therapy will be covered in the same manner as other psychotherapy in your particular plan. Most companies do not have a separate code for couples therapy but cover these charges under the code for family therapy. Check your benefits for details on coverage and deductibles.
Do you offer evening and telehealth appointments?
Yes. To accommodate busy schedules, I offer both evening and telehealth sessions. Virtual appointments make it possible for partners who live or work in different places to participate fully, even when they can’t be in the same room. Many couples find this option particularly convenient and appreciate the privacy and flexibility it provides.
Are you curious about how couples therapy in Cambridge and the Boston area might work for you and your partner?