Couples Counseling & Relationship Therapy That Helps You Reconnect

Heart. couples therapy austin
Heart. couples therapy austin

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy, also known as marriage counseling or couples counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping couples identify and resolve issues within their relationship.

In therapy both partners attend sessions together to work on improving their communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening their emotional connection. Couples come to therapy to talk, share, fight, learn, apologize, grow, recommit and to consciously and intentionally uncouple. I believe that every couple can benefit from coming to therapy together.

Reasons for couples therapy

Reasons For Couples Therapy

  • Things are going well and you want to strengthen your bond, spruce things up or just make sure that you're on the same page with your partner

OR

  • You and/or your partner are not feeling heard, seen or understood by the other

  • You feel disconnected and distant from your partner

  • You and your partner are having the same argument over and over

  • As parents, you are not sure how to align on key issues          

  • You have run out of solutions to fix the problem in your relationship

  • You and/or your partner are not satisfied with your sex life

  • You have experienced betrayal by your partner (and, perhaps, vice-versa as well)

  • And/ or you need help ending the relationship

The list is not exhaustive and if any of these experiences resonate with you, and you are ready to take the next step, click here so that I can help.

Regardless of your reason for seeking therapy, I encourage you to come in with open hearts and open minds. The transformations that I have been privileged to be a part of have been nothing short of remarkable and I have come to learn that in the right environment, change can and will happen.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

In the craziness of the go, go, go world we live in it can be really hard to carve out time every week to align with your partner, and couples therapy allows for just that. We will meet regularly for you to learn how to break down the barriers of communication and connect with your partner on a whole new level.

I use Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) coupled with attachment theory and nonviolent communication (NVC) to teach you how to listen, communicate and connect more effectively. I provide a safe space for honest feelings to be expressed and needs to be stated, for apologies to be shared and reparations to be made. Both partners will be held accountable for problems, successes and working toward change.

I don’t use a generic model. Every relationship is unique and that is exactly why your therapy should be too. Every couples counseling plan is tailored to your specific situation.

What You Can Expect from Couples Therapy:

  • Accountability

  • Stronger communication

  • More trust

  • Emotional clarity

  • A stronger bond

You don’t need a “big problem” to start. Many couples come for marital counseling to grow and stay aligned.

  • Every relationship has challenges but when they repeat constantly or consistently, they create distance. Here are some of the most common issues addressed in relationship therapy:

    • You try to connect but somehow it leads to frustration. Moreover, you feel stuck in misunderstanding.

    • Shaming, blaming, attacking and repeatedly bringing up the past during arguments. Conflict resolution therapy helps you break this cycle.

    • Emotional distance or lost connection resulting in feeling like you are living with a roommate instead of a partner.

    • Past experiences that are affecting your present relationships. Trauma therapy and therapy for jealousy address these deeper layers.

    • Typical circumstances and major life events like parenthood, job struggles and moving, where relationship dynamics shift. The right support during these moments matters most.

  • Every relationship is different and that’s why couples counseling is not one-size-fits-all.

    Marriage Counseling - for married partners dealing with conflict, resentment, distance or life changes and are looking reconnect or resolve deep issues.

    Newlywed Counseling - for couples adjusting to married life and aligning expectations

    Premarital Counseling - for couples preparing for marriage. The focus is on communication, expectations and long-term alignment.

    Therapy for Dating Couples -for people who are not married but are serious about their future together. The objective is to work through issues early on before they grow bigger.

    Therapy for Couples with Kids -We all know that parenting adds pressure and this therapy is to help you stay aligned as partners.

    LGBTQ+ Couples Therapy -Therapy is a safe and supportive space for everyone including LGBTQ+ couples and is built to be inclusive, respectful and affirming for every individual and partnership.

    Therapy for Long-Term & High-Conflict Couples -Most of us were never taught how to manage our emotions or fight fairly. This therapy focuses on couples stuck in unproductive and aggressive cycles. The main focus is on understanding and deep behavioral change.

    Therapy for Couples in Crisis - couples who feel overwhelmed and need direction and support

    No matter your where you are, therapy helps you move forward with calm, clarity and ease.

  • In addition to the regular services, I provide some specialized ones as well because there are some challenges that need deeper focus. This is where specialized support helps.

    Therapy for Intimacy Issues - Sometimes physical or emotional closeness feels off and you feel disconnected or rejected. Intimacy therapy for couples helps rebuild that connection helping you reconnect physically and emotionally.

    Therapy for Mental Health in Relationships - Individual mental health struggles in the form of anxiety, trauma and ADHD (to name a few) affect relationships. For this, therapy helps partners understand, accept and better support each other.

  • As previously mentioned, I don’t use a generic model for couples therapy. Every relationship is unique and that is why your therapy should be too.

    Your couples counseling plan is tailored to your situation.

     I look at:

    • Your history

    • Your challenges

    • Your goals

    And then together we build a clear path forward.

    My approach to relationship therapy combines proven methods with a kind, structured and supportive environment.

    Safe, Non Judgmental Environment

    You need a space where you can speak openly, where both partners are heard equally and where is no blame, shame or attacking, only understanding and growth.

    This safe and honest space is what allows real change to happen.

    What Sets Me Apart

    • Licensed, certified and trained psychotherapist in evidence based methods

    • Experienced in handling complex relationship dynamics

    • Married for 12+ years to a partner with ADHD and we have 3 young children.

    I understand how issues like stress, mental health, trauma and communication patterns impact relationships.

  • Starting therapy can feel uncertain but knowing what to expect helps.

    First Session (Assessment) - In the first session, you share your story and I work to understand your situation and goals.

    Identifying Patterns - We uncover repeating behaviors and triggers and this is where clarity begins.

    Active Therapy & Tools - When we have identified patterns, you then learn the communication skills, emotional awareness and conflict management to resolve struggles.

    Long-Term Improvement - Gradually, you build healthier habits, strengthen connection and create lasting change.

    That said, therapy is not just about fixing problems, it is also about building a better future together.

  • Nowadays, many prefer couples therapy online because it is simple, flexible and cost effective.

    This means if you are busy, living apart or even if you are just more comfortable at home, remote therapy services give you access to the same support as in-person sessions.

    With virtual therapy, we will meet through secure video sessions like Zoom, GoogleMeet or other similar platforms. You can join from home, work and even from different locations when you and your partner are not physically together.

    Telehealth counseling works just like in-person sessions and are just as effective when both partners are engaged. The content and structure remain the same where you still talk, explore issues and learn new skills. The only difference is the format. The results remain the same.

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What will I gain from couples therapy?

The impact of couples counseling goes beyond solving problems. You will:

  • Learn how to identify and communicate your thoughts, feelings, desires and fears clearly and effectively

  • Recognize relationship patterns and learn how to change the ones that no longer work

  • Learn how to listen to your partner and reflect what they are saying

  • Be able to empathize with your partner and connect on the deeper feelings

  • Share disagreements respectfully and learn how to argue fairly and constructively

  • Repair old wounds that you have been harboring for a long time

  • Learn to be vulnerable and let your partner in resulting in feeling more valued, respected and understood

  • Increase your emotional and physical intimacy

  • Learn to connect to your partner in ways you didn’t think possible

Ultimately, you will gain a future together.

Ready for a better forever? Click here to set up a free 15-min consultation or book your first session now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Couples therapy does require both partners to be present. If you believe working on your relationship from your side could help first, individual therapy is always an option. Please note, however, that if I see you for individual therapy, I will not be able to be your couples therapist down the line. I will however, support you in finding a different couples therapist when the time comes.

  • I accept the Lyra EAP benefit but do not accept any other insurance.

    Standard cost per couples session is $265 and I can offer a sliding scale as needed. We would come to that amount together.

  • Yes. Therapy helps couples rebuild trust through honest communication, accountability and emotional healing over time.

  • If you feel disconnected from your partner, get stuck in repeated arguments or you’re unable to communicate properly, counseling can help. If you’re still unsure, feel free to send me a message.

How long does couples therapy last?

Successful couples therapy can last anywhere from a few sessions to ongoing monthly sessions or annual check-ins indefinitely. There is no “right” amount of time and the length of time for you in couples therapy depends on your goals, how often we meet, how much you practice and how much we need to work through.

Minal Nebhnani - Honest Space Psychotherapy

How do I sign up?

The fate of your relationship is in your hands and you have the power to make it everything you want it to be. Let’s harness that energy together!

Click here or on the button below to schedule a session today.

Get Started / Book a Free 15-min Consultation or Jump Right Into Your First Session

You’ve already taken the first step by being here.

Now it’s time to take the next one.

Your relationship can improve. You just need the right support.

I WANT TO FEEL BETTER. SIGN ME UP.