Collaborative Couple Therapy

Collaborative couple therapy is a therapeutic technique that helps couples understand how they communicate when struggling with an issue or argument. The focus of collaborative couple therapy is teaching partners how to turn those fights into intimate conversations, and in turn, strengthen the relationship. In collaborative couple therapy, the therapist will sit in between the couple and speak as if they were one of the partners talking to the other. If one of the partners is 'fighting' by using stinging words, the therapist will attempt to translate those comments into confiding thoughts. If a partner is ‘withdrawing,’ the therapist will guess at what the individual is feeling, and ask if the guesses are correct. A successful outcome of collaborative couple therapy is experiencing intimacy in times of struggle, rather than fighting or withdrawing. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s collaborative couple therapy experts today. 

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Problems tend to form through miscommunication. The collaborative approach helps everyone feel heard and understood. As a result, communication begins to improve, and problems begin to dissolve.

— Katherine Traxler-LaFrance, Marriage & Family Therapist in Humble, TX

In addition to some well-honed, validated, finely tuned couple-specific modalities, I bring a heavily collaborative perspective to all of my work. Perhaps even more so when there are partners (or others) who feel adversarial -- my goal is to work within each person's strengths and desired outcomes.

— Tracy Morris, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Lacey, WA
 

Our couples counselors work with you and your partner to build healthy communication skills, enhance intimacy and identify shared values.

— Julia Simmons, in Greenwich, CT

My approach is designed to foster a supportive and cooperative environment where both partners are actively involved in the healing process. Together, we work to understand and address the unique challenges in your relationship, emphasizing open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. By combining evidence-based methods like Gottman Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help couples navigate conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen bonds.

— Toya Foster, Licensed Professional Counselor
 

In addition to using the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy model, I also draw from mindfulness and somatic approaches, bringing awareness to what you are experiencing in the present moment. At times we all struggle to understand what it is we are truly feeling. Sitting with emotions, such as sadness, grief and regret, rather than trying to push it all away can give rise to unexpected and wonderful relief. It is said that what we resist persists, but when we’re able to feel through something, we

— Jennifer French, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Myrtle Beach, SC

n addition to using the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy model, we also draw from mindfulness and somatic approaches, bringing awareness to what you are experiencing in the present moment. At times we all struggle to understand what it is we are truly feeling. Sitting with emotions, such as sadness, grief and regret, rather than trying to push it all away can give rise to unexpected and wonderful relief. It is said that what we resist persists, but when we’re able to feel through something, we

— Jennifer French, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Myrtle Beach, SC
 

We as individuals form our unique worldviews by the attachment styles we develop with our parents and by the dynamics of our family relationships, friendships, and romantic partnerships throughout our lives. I work collaboratively in partnership with you, honoring your worldview, to recognize what’s going well in your relationship dynamic, explore where and how you and your relationships can grow, and assisting you in deepening connection with your loved ones.

— Shelly Hogan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
 

I believe that the core of a relationship is connection. I will use the strengths of the couple to assist the couple in collaborating on conflict resolution. In my experience, couples tend to get stuck on opposing forces, rather than learning how to work together as a support system to work through happy times, sad times, and all the times in between.

— Jeremy Hartke, Counselor

Positive change is sparked by meaningful conversations. In a collaborative therapeutic atmosphere with me, we explore tribulations, have honest discussions, analyze potential solutions, and consider alternative approaches. To help you focus on what matters most to you, we'll come up with coping strategies by reframing your experiences in a positive light. If you use this partnership, you'll be able to improve your decision-making skills and interpersonal relationships.

— Francheska Rosado, Student Therapist
 

It's not you against each other, but all of us against the problems. I love working with partners committed to getting on the same team and working together to understand one another in order to move through their problems. I take a collaborative approach in relationship therapy because I want to help you build the type of partnerships you desire! Each of us has unique values, needs and hopes. Let's build the kind of relationship that works for everyone.

— Robin Roemer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

It's not you against each other, but all of us against the problems. I love working with partners committed to getting on the same team and working together to understand one another in order to move through their problems. I take a collaborative approach in relationship therapy because I want to help you build the type of partnerships you desire! Each of us has unique values, needs and hopes. Let's build the kind of relationship that works for everyone.

— Robin Roemer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

CCT-collaborative Couples Therapy is the approach that I use and I focus on the joint participation of both partners in therapy to address relationship challenges. It emphasizes creating a collaborative and respectful environment where both partners feel heard, validated, and each person is actively involved in the therapeutic process.

— Galina Litvin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Ramon, CA

Marital therapy identifies the marriage as the patient and that both parties are there to work on improving the marriage in whatever ways are needed. They collaborate to improve communication and identify problematic issues. Have also worked on healing past wounds so that they can proceed toward a more fulfilling relationship.

— Louise Will-Wallace, Psychologist in Falling Waters, WV
 

I use a collaborative approach to couple therapy, focusing on improving communication, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing relational conflicts. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where both partners feel heard and respected, working together to build stronger emotional connections and navigate challenges in their relationship with compassion and shared decision-making.

— Sazia Malek, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA