Couples Therapy

16 Sessions

Even small miscommunications between partners can turn into frustrating behavioral patterns—like feeling criticized, shutting down, or chasing after connection when your partner pulls away. These cycles can leave you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or unsure how to move forward.

This 16-session plan is designed to restore emotional safety and connection while equipping you with practical tools for managing conflict. You’ll move through three progressive phases: understanding the patterns in your relationship, building mutual acceptance, and practicing new ways of responding to one another.

Most couples complete the program in about four months, with weekly 50-minute therapy sessions that build on each other to support meaningful, lasting change. Sessions are delivered virtually, with limited in-person availability.

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The course of true love never did run smooth. - William Shakespeare

Strong partnerships are built on connection—shared laughter, emotional closeness, desire, and mutual support. Yet that same intimacy can also leave relationships vulnerable to disconnection and erosion. Communication patterns take hold early. When couples are clicking, those patterns foster security and growth. Over time, though, stress, misunderstandings, or unmet needs can shift those patterns, leading to hurt, distance, or resentment.

You might find yourselves stuck in the same arguments, walking on eggshells, or feeling more like roommates than partners. Maybe you're avoiding conflict entirely, or trying to reconnect but can’t seem to get back on the same page. If your relationship feels strained, distant, or harder than it used to be, this plan can help you rebuild emotional safety, strengthen communication, and reconnect in a more meaningful way.

Common indicators for this plan include:

Communication patterns that often lead to conflict—excess criticism or not listening are typical complaints
Judgmental attitudes to individual differences in communication or emotions
Intimacy concerns or sexual dissatisfaction
Circular arguments that reach no resolution
Emotional distance replacing empathic connection
Early relationship friction that warrants attention before escalation

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Why you might choose this plan

What to expect

In-person, telehealth or both

How long does therapy take?

Many couples don’t realize there’s a science-backed approach specifically designed to improve relationship communication. At Therapy Lab, we use Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT)—an evidence-based method that goes beyond surface-level fixes. IBCT helps partners recognize and shift deeper emotional patterns while also building healthier ways to connect and communicate.

Our Couples Therapy plan is rooted in research and tailored to your relationship. Together, you’ll work through everyday miscommunications while exploring the underlying dynamics that fuel conflict.

Therapy Lab clinicians hold advanced degrees in clinical psychology and related fields, with specialized training in evidence-based couples therapy. Research shows that effective couples therapy can strengthen your relationship and support improvements in both mental and physical health. To learn more about IBCT, see the resources below.

About Therapy Lab therapists

Baucom, D. H., Belus, J. M., Adelman, C. B., Fischer, M. S., & Paprocki, C. (2014). Couple-based interventions for psychopathology: A renewed direction for the field. Family Process, 53(3), 445-461
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Christensen, A., Atkins, D. C., Baucom, B., & Yi, J. (2010). Marital status and satisfaction five years following a randomized clinical trial comparing traditional versus integrative behavioral couple therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 225-235.
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Roddy, M. K., Nowlan, K. M., Doss, B. D., & Christensen, A. (2016). Integrative behavioral couple therapy: Theoretical background, empirical research, and dissemination. Family Process, 55(3), 408-422.