Understanding Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a valuable resource for partners seeking to improve their relationship, navigate challenges, or deepen their emotional connection. Whether dealing with communication issues, trust problems, or the aftermath of significant life changes, couples therapy provides a supportive environment where both partners can explore their feelings and work towards a healthier relationship.
What Is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy, also known as couples counseling, involves working with a trained therapist to address relationship dynamics and individual concerns within the partnership. The goal is to foster understanding, improve communication, and develop strategies to resolve conflicts. Therapy sessions typically involve both partners discussing their thoughts and feelings in a safe space, guided by the therapist’s expertise.
Common Issues Addressed in Couples Therapy
Couples therapy can help with a variety of issues, including:
Communication Problems: Learning effective ways to express feelings and needs.
Trust Issues: Rebuilding trust after infidelity or betrayal.
Conflict Resolution: Developing skills to manage disagreements constructively.
Emotional Disconnect: Re-establishing intimacy and emotional connection.
Life Transitions: Navigating significant changes such as marriage, parenthood, or relocation.
Approaches to Couples Therapy
Different therapeutic approaches can be employed in couples therapy, each offering unique techniques tailored to the couple’s needs:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT focuses on identifying and restructuring emotional responses that lead to distress within relationships. It helps couples create secure emotional bonds by addressing negative interaction patterns and fostering deeper connections.
The Gottman Method
Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method emphasises building a strong foundation of friendship and respect. It provides tools for managing conflict effectively while enhancing intimacy through shared goals and values.
Narrative Therapy
This approach encourages couples to view their relationship through storytelling. By rewriting their narratives, partners can gain new perspectives on their challenges and recognize their strengths as a couple.
How Do You Know If You Need Couples Counselling?
You and your partner might benefit from couples counseling if you notice:
- Communication has broken down, with frequent misunderstandings or the same arguments repeating without resolution.
- You feel emotionally disconnected, with less intimacy or feelings of loneliness even when together.
- Trust has been damaged through infidelity, dishonesty, or repeated broken promises that you’re struggling to move past.
- Major life transitions (career changes, having children, relocating) are creating significant strain on your relationship.
- You’ve developed unhealthy patterns, like one person always withdrawing while the other pursues, or escalating conflicts.
Click here to see what does it take to have a healthy relationship!
Many couples wait too long before seeking help. Consider counseling as relationship maintenance rather than a last resort. Even strong relationships can benefit from professional guidance to improve communication skills and deepen connection. The willingness of both partners to participate and be vulnerable is more important than the specific issues you’re facing.
Do You Need Couples Counseling?
Recognizing when to seek professional help can strengthen your relationship and prevent future issues.
Common Signs You May Need Couples Counseling
Red Flags That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
- Physical or emotional abuse (seek immediate help)
- Contempt or disrespect has become normalized
- One or both partners are considering separation
- You’re staying only for external reasons (children, finances)
Benefits of Couples Counseling
- Improved communication skills and understanding
- Professional mediation for difficult conversations
- Tools to resolve conflicts constructively
- Deeper emotional intimacy and connection
- Clarity about relationship patterns and dynamics
- Safe space to address difficult topics
Quick Self-Assessment
Answer these questions to help determine if counseling might be helpful:
1. How would you rate your communication with your partner?
2. How do you typically resolve conflicts?
3. How connected do you feel to your partner?
Taking the Next Steps
If you’re considering counseling, here’s how to begin:
Talk to your partner about your concerns and desire for counseling
Research qualified therapists specializing in couples counseling
Schedule an initial consultation to find the right fit
Best Couples Therapists and Marriage Counselors in Hong Kong
Bhavna Bharvani
Clinical Counsellor, Relationship Counsellor
Specialises in working with individuals, couples and LGBTQIA+ folks on healing from trauma, improving relationships, building emotional resilience and overcoming self-limiting beliefs
Bhavna is a US-trained Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor. As a couples therapist, she helps partners navigate challenges, improve communication, repair past wounds and resentments, and strengthen their emotional connection.
Shirley Hung-Truchot
Psychotherapist, Couples Therapist, Perinatal Specialist
Specialises in helping new moms with perinatal and postpartum symptoms and helps couples identify and break negative patterns, communicate their feelings and needs in a healthy, productive way, and learn to respond, repair, and reconnect emotionally with one another
Shirley is a Canada-trained Psychotherapist and Couples Therapist with over 10 years of extensive experience in providing couples therapy, marriage counselling, and individual counselling. She has worked across a variety of settings including hospitals, university counselling centers, and community mental health centers in Toronto, Canada with individuals and couples with mental health distress and relationship issues.
Michael Beckham
Clinical Counsellor
Specialises in assisting individuals to manage their anxiety, build self esteem, explore intimacy/ relationship dynamics and enhance communication skills
Michael Beckham is a US-trained and licensed Psychotherapist with 19 years of experience helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, expertise, and care. He assists his clients in understanding how they see themselves, how they see the world, and how they see their place in the world.
Josanna Lai
Clinical Psychologist
Specialises in challenging relationships, depression, anxiety, cultural issues and personal growth obstacles
Born and raised in Hong Kong, being fluent in English and Cantonese, Josanna has worked as a clinical psychologist for over twenty-six years in Hong Kong and Australia in diverse clinical settings including child assessment center, inpatient PTSD wards, outpatient psychiatric center, university counseling service, NGO for special education needs and certainly private practice.
Meet Our Full List Of Counsellors Here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does couples therapy typically last?
The duration of couples therapy varies based on individual circumstances and goals. Some couples may benefit from just a few sessions focused on specific issues, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to address deeper relational dynamics.
Will we both need to attend every session?
Yes, most couples therapy sessions involve both partners attending together. This joint participation allows for open dialogue and mutual understanding during the therapeutic process. However, there may be instances where individual sessions are beneficial for personal exploration.
What should we expect during our first session?
During your first session, you can expect the therapist to create a welcoming environment where both partners can share their concerns and goals for therapy. The therapist may ask questions about your relationship history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through counselling. This initial session helps establish rapport and sets the stage for future discussions.
If you’re experiencing challenges in your relationship or simply want to strengthen your bond with your partner, consider reaching out for couples therapy. Our therapists can help with fostering understanding, improving communication, and building a fulfilling partnership. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
How long will we need to attend?
Most couples attend 8-12 weekly sessions. We’ll create a plan based on your specific situation and adjust as needed.
What happens during sessions?
In our 60-minute sessions, you’ll both share your perspectives while your counsellor helps identify patterns and teaches practical communication skills you can use at home.
What if my partner doesn’t want to come?
This is common. We offer no-pressure introductory sessions where reluctant partners can simply listen and ask questions. Many find it less intimidating than expected.
How much does it cost?
Individual Therapy Fees
Our standard fee for a 50-minute individual therapy session ranges from HKD $1,800 to $2,600, depending on the therapist you choose to see. This variation in pricing is based on the therapist’s level of experience and training.
Couples Therapy Fees
For couples therapy, our fees range from $2,500 to $4,000 per session, also dependent on the therapist’s qualifications, expertise and session duration.
Is everything we share private?
Yes. We keep all discussions confidential, with exceptions only if there’s a risk of serious harm.
