Relationships are complicated. Communication breakdowns, trust issues, intimacy concerns, different values, external stressors—any of these can strain even strong partnerships. Online therapy offers accessible support whether you're seeking couples counseling together or individual therapy to work on your own patterns.
Common Relationship Issues
Therapy can help with a wide range of relationship challenges:
Communication Problems
Difficulty expressing needs, frequent misunderstandings, stonewalling, or escalating arguments
Trust Issues
Infidelity recovery, jealousy, broken promises, or lingering doubts
Intimacy Concerns
Mismatched desire, emotional distance, physical intimacy struggles
Life Transitions
New baby, job changes, moving, blending families, retirement
Conflict Patterns
Same arguments repeating, inability to resolve disagreements, contempt or criticism
Growing Apart
Different goals, feeling like roommates, loss of connection
Couples Therapy vs. Individual Therapy
You don't always need both partners in the room to work on relationship issues:
Couples Therapy
- • Both partners attend sessions together
- • Focus on the relationship dynamics
- • Learn communication skills together
- • Best for: Active issues you both want to address
Individual Therapy
- • You attend alone
- • Focus on your patterns and responses
- • Process feelings freely without partner present
- • Best for: Personal growth, when partner won't attend, or toxic/abusive relationships
⚠️ Important: Abuse and Safety
Couples therapy is not recommended if there's active abuse in the relationship. Abusers can use information from couples sessions to further manipulate. If you're experiencing abuse, individual therapy and safety planning are the priority. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Evidence-Based Approaches
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Helps couples identify and change negative patterns by understanding the underlying emotions driving behaviors. 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery.
Gottman Method
Research-based approach focusing on building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning. Known for the "Four Horsemen" framework.
CBT for Couples
Addresses unhelpful thought patterns and teaches practical communication and problem-solving skills.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Explores how childhood experiences shape partner selection and relationship dynamics. Uses structured dialogue techniques.
Platforms for Relationship Therapy
ReGain
Couples FocusedDedicated couples counseling platform. Both partners share one account and can message the therapist individually or together.
Read review →Talkspace
Couples + IndividualOffers both couples therapy and individual therapy. Can switch between modalities if needed.
Read review →BetterHelp
Individual FocusBest for individual work on relationship patterns. Owns ReGain for couples needs.
Read review →What to Expect
Couples therapy online works similarly to in-person: you'll both join a video call with your therapist. You'll discuss challenges, learn new skills, and practice them between sessions. Most couples see improvement within 12-20 sessions.
Tips for online couples sessions: find a private space where both can speak freely, use headphones for audio clarity, have tissues nearby (emotions will come up), and consider separate devices if you're in different locations.
The Bottom Line
Relationship issues don't have to mean the end of a relationship. Whether you're seeking couples counseling together or individual therapy to work on your patterns, online platforms make professional support more accessible than ever.
The earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes tend to be—don't wait until you're on the brink of separation. Even strong relationships can benefit from periodic "tune-ups" with a trained professional.