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Online couples therapy
Online couples therapy is a popular and effective solution to help partners better understand each other, resolve conflicts and build lasting relationships. In today’s dynamic world, more and more couples are struggling with relationship challenges. Stress from work, family responsibilities, infidelity in a relationship or lack of time to build a relationship can lead to conflict and tension.
What is online couples therapy?
Online couples therapy is a form of psychological support conducted by a qualified therapist via the Internet. Unlike traditional in-office meetings, sessions take place via video conferencing platforms such as Google Meet or dedicated therapy apps.
The goal of the therapy is to help couples going through a relationship crisis to resolve problems, improve communication and strengthen relationships. It is ideal for people who, for various reasons, cannot attend traditional sessions – for example, due to time constraints, location or mobility difficulties.
mgr Gabriela Strojna-Ziaja
Psychoterapeuta, Terapeuta par
Wideo
Czat
Available for
Dzieci i młodzież (12-18 lat), Młodzi dorośli (18-30 lat), Dorośli (30+), Couples (18+)
Methods
Systemic therapy, Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Appointments
Konsultacja rodzicielska, Psychoterapia dzieci i młodzieży online, Psychoterapia dorosłych online, Online couples therapy
Specialization
Depresja, Samotność, Relacje rodzinne, Dojrzewanie, Trudności emocjonalne, Myśli samobójcze, Emigracja, Utrata sensu życia, Żałoba, Rozwód rodziców, Stres, Pewność siebie, Couples therapy [EN]
Online couples therapy
See what it looks like
The online couples therapy process is very similar to traditional individual therapy. Here’s what it looks like step by step:
- The first meeting – therapy begins with an initial consultation, during which the therapist gathers information about the relationship, the problems the couple is facing, and expectations of therapy.
- Goal setting – together with the therapist, the couple sets therapy goals, which may include improving communication, resolving conflicts or rebuilding trust.
- Regular sessions – sessions are held regularly, usually once a week, and last 50 minutes. During the meetings, the therapist helps partners understand each other’s needs, emotions and reactions, offering tools for dealing with difficulties.
- Between-session work – therapists often assign homework, such as communication exercises or behavioral reflections, which can be discussed at subsequent meetings.
Benefits of online couples therapy
Online couples therapy has many advantages that are attracting more and more people:
1. Convenience and availability of online therapy
One of the biggest advantages of online therapy is its flexibility. Partners can attend sessions from anywhere – all they need is a computer, tablet or smartphone with Internet access. This makes therapy accessible to people living in small towns, abroad or those who have difficulty getting to the office.
2. Time and cost savings
Not requiring patients to travel to appointments saves time and money. In many cases, online couples therapy is also less expensive than traditional therapy, making it more accessible.
3. Privacy
Some couples value online therapy for a greater sense of privacy. Attending sessions from your own home avoids potential encounters with others in the waiting room of the therapist’s office.
4. Flexibility
Online therapists often offer more flexibility in scheduling, which is especially important for couples with busy schedules.
5. Less stress for partners
For some people, visits to a traditional office can be stressful. Online couples therapy, done in a familiar and comfortable environment, can make it easier to open up about problems and emotions.
What relationship problems does online couples therapy treat?
Online couples therapy offers a safe space to discuss difficult topics, allowing partners to better understand each other’s needs and concerns. A couples therapist helps develop communication skills, teaches coping with emotions and suggests strategies to strengthen closeness. He or she can also point to specialists when the problem is medically based. As a result, online couples therapy helps rebuild both the emotional and physical bond in a relationship.
Problems with communication in a relationship
Communication problems are one of the main causes of conflict in relationships. They can arise for a variety of reasons, such as differences in styles of expressing thoughts, difficulties in listening, or lack of ability to express emotions.
Understatement and lack of clarity
Often partners assume that the other person “should know” what they expect, leading to frustration when expectations are not met. Misunderstandings can cause unnecessary conflicts.
Lack of active listening
It is common for partners not to listen carefully to each other, to interrupt or to focus on formulating answers instead of understanding the other person. This leads to a feeling that one party is less important.
Aggressive style of communication
Criticizing, blaming or raising your voice can turn conversations into arguments instead of enabling attentive and constructive conversation.
Avoiding conversations about difficult topics
Some couples avoid discussing problems, which can lead to an accumulation of frustration and distancing from each other.
Resolving communication problems requires openness, empathy and a willingness to work on mutual understanding. Couples therapy can be an effective tool in improving these aspects.
Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and its loss can lead to serious crises in a relationship. Trust crises most often arise as a result of betrayal, lies, unkept promises or inconsistency in one person’s actions. Such situations undermine the sense of security and stability in the relationship, which can lead to conflict, emotional distance and even breakup.
Infidelity in a relationship
Physical or emotional betrayal is one of the most difficult tests for a relationship. The betrayed person often experiences pain, anger and a sense of humiliation, while the guilty party may struggle with guilt and fear of losing their partner.
Lies and withholding the truth
Dishonesty, even in minor details, can raise doubts about a partner’s intentions. Systematic lies make the other person feel betrayed and less inclined to be open.
Partner’s unpredictable behavior
Instability or inconsistency in one partner’s actions can cause uncertainty about whether the other person is trustworthy.
Boundary violation
Failure to respect established boundaries, such as privacy, can lead to disappointment, feelings of betrayal and withdrawal.
Rebuilding trust takes time, honesty and commitment from both parties. Online couples therapy can help you understand the causes of the crisis, communicate openly and build the relationship together from scratch.
Intimacy issues in a relationship
Intimate problems are a common challenge in relationships and can affect the emotional closeness and satisfaction of partners. They most often involve the sexual, emotional and communication spheres.
Sexual needs differences
Partners may have different expectations regarding the frequency, type or intensity of intimate contact. Such differences often lead to frustration, feelings of rejection or pressure.
Lack of emotional closeness
Emotional problems, such as lack of attention, affection or support, can translate into difficulties in the intimate area as partners no longer feel comfortable with each other.
Physical or health issues
Dysfunctions such as pain during intercourse, decreased libido, premature ejaculation or erectile difficulties can cause tension and embarrassment in a relationship.
Infidelity in a relationship or loss of trust
Infidelity often leads to a loss of intimacy and emotional distance, which requires work to rebuild the relationship.
The impact of daily life problems on couples
Everyday problems and challenges, such as stress at work, household responsibilities, financial difficulties or raising children, can significantly affect the relationship between partners. They often lead to tensions, fading closeness and communication difficulties, which over time takes a toll on the quality of the relationship.
Work stress and time pressure
Full-time work, overtime or lack of work-life balance means that partners have less time for themselves. This can lead to feelings of neglect, frustration and loneliness.
Financial problems
Trouble managing budgets, debt or different approaches to spending often become a cause of conflict. Couples may experience tension due to feelings of injustice or lack of support.
Household and parental responsibilities
Unequal sharing of household and parenting responsibilities often leads to conflict, especially when one party feels overburdened and the other does not get involved enough.
How does couples therapy help
Online couples therapy offers a space to discuss these challenges and find solutions together. The therapist helps partners identify sources of tension, improve communication and establish a more equitable division of responsibilities. They also teach strategies for coping with stress and building support in the relationship, allowing couples to function better in the face of daily difficulties. In this way, couples and marriage therapy strengthens the bond and helps to avoid escalation of conflicts.
Differences in expectations in a relationship – a challenge for partners
Differences in expectations are a natural part of any relationship, stemming from the partners’ different life experiences, values and personalities. However, they can lead to tension and conflict if they are not discussed and addressed in daily life.
Differences in long-term goals
Partners may have different plans for the future, such as decisions about getting married, having children, where to live or careers. Failure to agree on these key issues can lead to frustration and a sense that one party is neglecting the needs of the other.
Finance & Lifestyle
Resistance to financial risk, approaches to saving or spending are common sources of disagreement. One partner may value stability and control, while the other prefers a more relaxed approach.
Leisure activities
Disagreements can arise from different expectations about spending time together or apart. One partner may desire joint activities, while the other values solitude or time with friends.
Intimacy and emotional needs in a relationship
Different levels of need for physical and emotional closeness can also be a challenge. One partner may expect more tenderness, while the other may have difficulty expressing affection.
How to deal with differences?
Open and honest communication plays a key role. Online couples therapy can help partners understand each other’s expectations, work out compromises and learn to respect the diversity in the relationship. In this way, differences do not have to be a source of conflict, but can become a foundation for mutual relationship enrichment.
How to choose the right couples therapist?
Choosing the right therapist is the key to successful therapy. Here are some tips that can help:
- Qualifications and experience – make sure the couples therapist has the proper training and experience working with couples.
- Specialization – some couples therapists specialize in specific problems, such as infidelity, parental conflicts or intimate problems.
- Availability and price – determine whether the therapist offers sessions at times convenient to you and whether the cost of therapy is within your budget.
- Chemistry and comfort – it is important that both partners feel comfortable during the session. A good couples therapist should be empathetic, neutral and open.
Online couples therapy and its effectiveness
Research indicates that online couples therapy is just as effective as traditional in-office therapy. A key element of success is the commitment of both partners and their willingness to work on the relationship. Regular attendance at sessions, honesty with the therapist and each other, and adherence to the specialist’s recommendations increase the chances of positive results.
Practical tips to make online couples therapy effective
To make online couples therapy as effective as possible, there are a few tips you should follow:
- Be sure to find the right place – choose a quiet and private space where you can talk freely.
- Check the equipment – make sure the camera, microphone and Internet are working properly.
- Prepare for the session – think about what topics you would like to cover.
- Be open to change – couples therapy may require you to step outside your comfort zone, but it’s worth giving yourself a chance to grow.
- Remember to be systematic – regular attendance at sessions is the basis for successful therapy.
Online couples therapy is a modern, convenient and effective tool that helps couples improve the quality of their relationships. Thanks to its flexibility and accessibility, it can be a great solution for anyone who wants to work on their relationship, regardless of where they live or their lifestyle. However, it is worth remembering that the success of the therapy depends on the commitment of both partners and the choice of the right specialist.
If your relationship is going through difficult times, consider online couples therapy as a step towards rebuilding and strengthening your relationship. Don’t wait – better communication, greater understanding and harmony in your relationship are within your reach.
