Find a Relationship Therapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Every relationship experiences challenges — whether it's a communication breakdown, unresolved conflict, or simply growing apart over time. But you don't have to face those challenges alone. Relationship counseling provides couples with the tools and space to strengthen their connection, resolve tensions, and rediscover what brought them together in the first place.

  • Monik Lopez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    Monik Lopez

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    1550 Madruga Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

    Monik Lopez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Coral Gables, Florida and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Career.

    The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help! Call me anytime

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  • Nikki Moorman, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Nikki Moorman

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5409 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Flint, Michigan 48507

    Nikki Moorman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Flint, Michigan and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Panic, Chronic Illness/Pain.

    I offer a warm and non-judgmental environment so my clients will feel comfortable to explore emotions, concerns, and other issues impacting their lives.

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  • Corinne Sundell, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Corinne Sundell, LMFT

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    1114 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, USA, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105

    Corinne Sundell, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Perfectionism, Life Transitions.

    My job in the therapy office is to support you in re-membering the person you’d like to be, warts and all.

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  • Sarah Marty, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Sarah Marty

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    3230 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

    Sarah Marty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Loneliness/Isolation, Career.

    I offer a free phone consult prior to the first session to see if we are a good match. I love what I do and that shows in my approach.

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  • OSun Yoo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    OSun Yoo

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    OSun Yoo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Grief and Loss, Sleep Concerns.

    I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and together, we can work on reconnecting with that 'you' at your best. I am a therapist at Octave, a beha

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  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Relationship Therapy, Life Transitions, Women's Issues.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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What is relationship therapy and who is it for?

Relationship therapy — also known as couples counseling — is a specialized form of talk therapy that helps romantic partners improve their communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild intimacy. It's not just for couples in turmoil. Relationship therapy is beneficial for any partners seeking to strengthen their connection, navigate changes, or address concerns they may not know how to resolve on their own.

Some common reasons couples seek therapy include:

  • Communication problems or frequent arguments
  • Lack of intimacy or emotional distance
  • Trust issues, including infidelity
  • Parenting disagreements
  • Financial stress
  • Life transitions, such as moving in together, having a child, or retirement

Relationship counseling is for everyone — whether you're married or dating, monogamous or polyamorous, heterosexual or LGBTQ+. It can also be helpful for co-parents, long-distance couples, or even those ending a relationship and seeking to do so respectfully.

With more people embracing online couples therapy, support is more accessible than ever — regardless of location or schedule.


Is couples therapy only for people having serious problems or near a breakup?

This is one of the most common misconceptions — and one of the most damaging. Couples therapy is not only for relationships in crisis. In fact, some of the most successful outcomes come from couples who seek therapy early, before problems become entrenched.

Think of relationship counseling like preventative care: it can help you build stronger foundations, clarify shared goals, and learn healthier ways to navigate tension. Just like you wouldn't wait for a car to break down before getting a tune-up, it's wise to give your relationship attention before it's in distress.

Therapy can also be a proactive tool for:

  • Pre-marital counseling
  • Learning how to communicate better
  • Strengthening emotional intimacy
  • Exploring long-term compatibility
  • Navigating differences in cultural or religious backgrounds

You don't need to be on the verge of a breakup to benefit from online relationship therapy or in-person sessions. Many couples use therapy to grow together — not just survive together.


Can therapy help even if only one partner wants to attend?

Ideally, both partners attend couples therapy. But even if only one person is willing, therapy can still be impactful.

Individual therapy can help you:

  • Understand your relationship patterns
  • Communicate your needs more effectively
  • Set boundaries and respond differently in conflict
  • Clarify your role in the relationship dynamic
  • Decide what you want long term

Sometimes, changes made by one partner can influence the whole relationship. In other cases, individual therapy can be a path to self-awareness and clarity, whether the relationship continues or not.

If your partner is hesitant, inviting them to one online couples therapy session can lower the barrier to entry — many people feel more open after meeting a nonjudgmental therapist.


What's the difference between relationship therapy and individual therapy for relationship issues?

While both can be helpful, they serve different purposes:

  • Relationship therapy treats the relationship itself as the client. Both partners are present, and the therapist works to understand the dynamic, help each person feel heard, and facilitate productive dialogue.
  • Individual therapy explores how one person's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors impact their relationships. The focus is on your personal patterns, boundaries, attachment style, and past experiences.

If you're unsure which is right for you, a therapist can help assess whether to begin with couples sessions or individual support.


What happens during a typical couples therapy session?

Starting couples therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you're unsure what to expect. But a typical session with a skilled relationship therapist is designed to be a safe, respectful, and productive space where both partners are supported equally.

Initial Sessions: Getting to Know You

The first one to two sessions are usually focused on assessment and goal setting. Your therapist will likely ask:

  • How long you've been together
  • What strengths and struggles you've noticed in your relationship
  • What brings you to therapy now
  • What each of you hopes to achieve

Some therapists may conduct individual sessions with each partner to understand personal histories, attachment styles, or mental health considerations that affect the relationship dynamic.

The Therapist's Role

A couples therapist acts as a neutral facilitator — not a referee or judge. Their job is not to determine who's right or wrong, but to:

  • Reflect communication patterns
  • Help you hear each other more clearly
  • Create a structured space to explore emotional wounds
  • Challenge harmful cycles while teaching new relational skills

You can expect your therapist to guide conversations constructively, help de-escalate arguments, and model empathy and emotional regulation.

What You Might Do in Session

Each session is different depending on the issues being addressed, but common elements include:

  • Communication exercises: Practicing how to listen without interrupting, validate each other's feelings, and express needs clearly.
  • Conflict de-escalation: Learning how to "pause" fights, identify triggers, and reduce defensiveness.
  • Emotionally focused dialogue: Identifying core feelings (like fear, shame, or longing) underneath surface-level arguments.
  • Homework: Some therapists assign exercises between sessions, such as date nights, journaling, or practicing a specific communication tool.

Some sessions may feel emotionally intense — especially when past wounds or current betrayals are explored. Others might be light, hopeful, and even humorous. What matters most is consistency and commitment to the process.

Online vs. In-Person Sessions

With the rise of online relationship therapy, many couples find virtual sessions just as effective as in-person ones. Online therapy allows for greater flexibility, privacy, and comfort — especially for busy professionals, long-distance partners, or those who feel safer in a familiar space.

Regardless of format, a relationship counselor provides the container for deeper understanding and growth. Therapy is not about fixing your partner — it's about transforming how you relate to one another.


How long does relationship therapy usually take to show results?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples notice improvements in just a few sessions. Others with deeper or more complex issues may work with a couples therapist for several months or longer.

Factors that affect progress include:

  • The severity and duration of the issues
  • How motivated both partners are
  • Willingness to practice skills outside of sessions
  • The presence of trauma, infidelity, or other complicating factors

Typically, couples meet weekly at first, then shift to biweekly or monthly check-ins as things improve. Online relationship therapy can provide added flexibility, making it easier to stick with the process.


Will the therapist take sides during the sessions?

A trained relationship therapist will not take sides. Their role is to remain neutral and focus on the relationship dynamic, not on who is "right" or "wrong."

That said, they may challenge both partners — encouraging accountability, emotional honesty, and healthy communication. The goal isn't blame; it's insight and progress.

If either partner ever feels unheard or targeted, a good therapist will address this directly and help re-establish trust in the process. Safety and emotional balance are central to successful relationship counseling.


Can therapy help with communication and conflict resolution?

Yes — this is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy.

Communication issues often look like:

  • Talking past each other or "shutting down"
  • Constant bickering over small things
  • Fear of bringing up sensitive topics
  • One partner feeling dismissed or controlled
  • Escalating conflicts that never get resolved

Relationship counseling teaches couples how to:

  • Use "I" statements instead of blame
  • Practice reflective listening
  • Express needs and boundaries clearly
  • Stay calm during conflict
  • Repair after arguments

Improved communication isn't just about fewer fights — it's about feeling seen, respected, and emotionally connected.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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