Finding a Couples Therapist Near Me: The Best Therapy for Couples

Couples therapy is a great way to strengthen your bond, work through conflict, and build a healthy foundation for the future of your relationship. Couples therapy is highly effective, with over 70% of couples claiming that they left therapy feeling happier and more satisfied in their relationship.

Finding the right couples therapist can be daunting. How do you find someone that both you and your spouse agree on and feel comfortable with?

One strategy is to find someone who specializes in the type of couples therapy that you want to receive. There is more than one way of conducting couples therapy. Each one is uniquely suited to a different situation and may be better or worse for you and your relationship.

Read through this article and determine what type of couples therapy is best for you. Then, you can ask the question, “How do I find a couples therapist near me?”

What Is the Best Type of Couples Therapy?

Not every type of couples therapy is the same. Some will focus on solving issues, and others will focus on unpacking past relationship conflicts and building trust again. There is no wrong answer when it comes to what couples therapy technique you should ask for. Consider the pros and cons of each and choose a therapy modality with your partner that you think will be a good fit.

1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT focuses on identifying and shifting negative cycles of interactions to create secure and lasting attachment bonds between partners. It is heavily researched and highly effective. The core principles of EFT include attachment theory and styles, the importance of emotional connection within a relationship, and identifying and breaking negative cycles.
   Best for: If you are struggling with emotional intimacy, constant conflict, or feeling like you’re just living with a roommate.
2. Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Grounded in research, the Gottman Method emphasizes building on strengths, improving communication, and fostering intimacy by addressing conflict constructively. It is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on the dynamics within a relationship. It has a slightly more behavioral approach than EFT. Primary principles include the “Four Horsemen of Divorce” (criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and defensiveiness) and their antidotes (which includes things like Love Maps, problem solving, relying on each other, and growing affection for one another.)
   Best for: Those who want a well-rounded couples therapy approach with an emphasis on practical action.
3. Imago Relationship Therapy: This couples therapy technique focuses on reimagining relationships and healing past wounds by exploring childhood experiences and how they impact adult relationships. The core principles of it is that conflict can help us grow in a relationship, but only if we examine the core wounds that led to that conflict.
   Best for: Couples with a lot of conflict in their relationship and who are comfortable exploring childhood experiences and trauma as a potential root cause of it.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT): CBT is a very common technique across all mental health treatment plans, including couples therapy. CBCT targets dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, improving communication, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution strategies.
   Best for: It is a good choice for couples who get into frequent arguments, say hurtful things, or who frequently get annoyed and lash out at their partner.
5. Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT): This technique combines acceptance-based strategies with behavior change techniques to strengthen emotional connections and increase acceptance within the relationship. It is a solution-focused therapy type that focuses on what you can do to change your behavior and accept your partner as they are. Together, the two philosophies can help couples create an accepting household that is focused on mutual growth.
   Best for: Those who want a more solution-oriented approach that is still focused on emotional connection and acceptance.
6. Family Systems Therapy: Couples do not exist in a vacuum. Friends, families, coworkers, and in-laws all influence a relationship. Family Systems Therapy considers the interconnectedness of family members and how changes in one individual can impact the entire family dynamic and relationships.
   Best for: Couples for whom family relationships are a major source of stress and conflict in their relationship.

Which couples therapy modality is the best for you? Only you can make that decision for yourself. All of these are researched and proven effective.

How Can I Find a Couples Therapist Near Me?

The next question to ask yourself is, “How do I find a couples therapist near me?” You have a few different options:

1. Word of Mouth Referrals: Getting a therapist referral from someone you trust is the best way to vet a therapist.
2. Use a therapist directory: Online therapist directories are great ways to find someone who fits exactly what you need. You can refine your search until you find someone both you and your spouse are happy with.
3. Search for couples therapists in your area: Simply opening up Google and searching “couples therapist near me” or just “therapist near me” will automatically pull up therapy offices in your area. This is a good option if meeting in person is important to you.

Taking the first step and talking to a couples therapist can be daunting, but know that you are in good company. Every year, thousands of couples attend therapy, and most of them leave healthier, happier, and more in love. Don’t wait to take the leap today. You and your relationship deserve it.