Finding The Right Fit

Many licensed therapists have little training in couples work, and the skills are different. Look for a specific certification: Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or Imago.

When you first talk to a therapist, ask how they handle it when one partner is more invested than the other — that situation is common and reveals their skill. In ordinary conflict, a good therapist does not simply take one person's side; they protect the relationship process. The exception is safety: abuse, coercive control, or intimidation should be named and handled directly, not treated as a neutral disagreement.