Best Online Couples Counseling Sites

How to Choose the Best Online Therapist for a Couples Therapy Session?

Choosing an online marriage counselor is a personal matter that requires careful thought and consideration on the part of the couple.

Credibility

The credibility of an online licensed therapist goes beyond the provider’s educational credentials. 

Couples are encouraged to select a professional counselor who not only has credentials that are on par with the industry standard but also specializes in online therapy for specific issues that the couple actively faces, such as communication troubles and loss of sexual desire.  

The chosen licensed professional should possess a proven track record in working with similar clients and issues. 

Pay close attention to the professional member organizations of which the therapist is a member; these designations often reflect the disciplines in which the therapist has chosen to further their education and in turn show a vested interest in the discipline.

Research Your Therapist

Your online therapist is an individual whom you and your partner are entrusting to help with some of the most intimate details of your lives as a couple.  

Ensure that you are all a good personality fit for each other by researching aspects of their online presence that help build the story of an individual, such as online pages and blog posts.  If using a platform that matches the back end, feel free to ask the support agent for their opinion on whether the counselor is a good fit.

Format of Couples Therapy Sessions

Do you as a couple feel that face-to-face video conferencing is the most effective way to communicate your relationship issues with a trusted licensed therapist?  Would you or your partner feel more comfortable utilizing a messaging platform that allows better control of the pace of interactions with your counselor? 

Consider your preferred communication style, along with your partner’s, and balance these against the provider’s available options and platforms.

Payment Options

Although many online therapy services for couples already offer competitive pricing, some networks are still able to take insurance.  Take stock of your current insurance and determine whether you will be able to use insurance to cover some or all of the costs of couples’ therapy.  

If coverage through your insurance provider is not an option, ensure that you understand the payment plans available and factor these into your final decision.

Word of Mouth

Even in a digital age, there is still tremendous value in leveraging an existing network of friends and family to ask whether these trusted individuals can recommend options that have worked for them. 

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Couples therapy, also known as a licensed marriage and family, or relationship counseling, is a form of psychotherapy aimed at helping couples improve their relationships and resolve conflicts. It typically involves sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in relationships.

During couples therapy, the therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for both partners to express their thoughts and feelings. They help couples identify communication issues, patterns of behavior, and underlying issues contributing to conflicts. Therapists teach effective communication and problem-solving skills, encouraging healthier interactions.

The process involves setting goals, exploring emotions, and working on solutions together. Couples therapy can address a wide range of issues, from communication problems to infidelity and intimacy concerns. Its success often depends on both partners’ commitment to change and the therapist’s guidance in facilitating healthier dynamics.

How Is Couples Therapy Different From Other Types of Therapy?

Couples therapy differs from going to a family therapist and other types of therapy primarily in its focus on relationships. While individual therapy centers on an individual’s own mental health concerns and personal issues, couples therapy is specifically designed to address relationship dynamics and conflicts between two people.

In couples therapy, the therapist often works with both partners together, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust. The couples therapist may also explore each person’s role in the relationship issues. In contrast, individual therapy is centered on the individual’s emotions, thoughts, and personal growth.

Moreover, couples therapy aims to strengthen and preserve the relationship, whereas individual therapy is geared towards improving one’s mental health and overall well-being.

What Is The Difference Between Marriage Counseling And Couples Therapy?

Marriage counseling and couples therapy are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. Marriage counseling typically focuses on couples who are legally married or engaged, and it often addresses issues related to marriage, such as conflicts over finances, in-laws, or specific marital roles and responsibilities. It may involve discussions about divorce or legal matters.

On the other hand, couples therapy is a broader term encompassing any intimate relationship, whether married or not. It can include couples who are dating, cohabiting, engaged, or married. Couples therapy often focuses on improving communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.

In essence, while both marriage counseling and couples therapy aim to strengthen relationships, marriage counseling is more specific to married couples and may involve legal aspects, while couples therapy has a broader scope and can address relationships at various stages. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the couple.