It consists of psychological care for couples who go through difficult times and do not know how to deal with or solve conflicts and difficulties that appear or affect the relationship.
Couples therapy includes evaluation, diagnosis and treatment aimed at improving the quality of the relationship. For this purpose, it must sometimes be combined with individual therapy for one or both members of the couple.
Accompanying those people who want to know each other better, optimize their wellbeing and achieve concrete goals. The professional can assess, depending on each case, if what is really needed are coaching sessions or, on the other hand, it is pertinent to deep into more complex issues and psychological therapy will be recommended.
These are the most common issues addressed by couple’s therapy:
- Communication difficulties
- Difficulties in making decisions and / or negotiating
- Problem solving
- Coexistence problems
- Frequent discussions
- Jealousy
- Infidelities
- Emotional dependence
- Problems in the relationship with our partner’s family (children, parents, etc.)
- Abuse
- Separation or sentimental breakup
These are some of the most frequent consultations in this area. However, there are many aspects that can lead us to seek help. If your reason for consultation is not here but you think we can help you, contact us directly and make your inquiry so that we can tell you more accurately if we can help you or where you could go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Couples Therapy
When should you go to couples therapy?
Couples usually seek therapy when they experience significant distress, dissatisfaction, or problems in their relationship, regardless of the cause. These issues may arise for various reasons: living together, children, lack of communication, difficulty expressing feelings, arguments, etc. In these cases, it is advisable to seek therapy when there is discomfort that you don’t know how to manage, or when you’ve tried to solve it on your own and it hasn’t worked.
How does couples therapy work?
Couples therapy focuses on the dysfunctional relationship patterns between the two partners.
To identify and contextualize the issues affecting the relationship, it is important to carry out a thorough assessment of both partners individually, as well as of the relationship itself, in order to plan the most appropriate treatment.
It’s important to understand that couples therapy aims to help each partner feel better about themselves, and subsequently, to work together to resolve their conflicts. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that, although couples therapy initially aims to solve relationship problems, sometimes it may lead to the realization that separation is the healthiest option. This can be surprising, but we must remember that the ultimate goal is for both individuals to feel as well as possible—even if that means being apart. Therefore, the purpose is not only to fix problems but also to explore the possibility of separating amicably.
What happens during couples therapy?
As mentioned earlier, the first step involves assessing both partners and their interaction patterns. It’s important to understand what conflicts exist, what causes them, how they are maintained, and why. Sometimes, either before or alongside couples therapy, individual work may be done on personal aspects that could be interfering with the relationship.
After this, tools and strategies are provided to help resolve the conflicts—such as improving communication, fostering empathy, changing thought patterns, and developing self-control, among others. Once the treatment begins, it’s important to recognize that it takes time to learn and apply these new skills. The therapist will monitor the process until improvement is achieved and the goals are met, at which point therapy will come to an end.
How many couples therapy sessions do I need?
The number of sessions required depends on several factors: the nature of the conflict, how long it has been present, the level of commitment of both partners, and the goals to be achieved.
Generally, the first sessions focus on understanding the couple’s history, current difficulties, and individual needs. From there, a tailored intervention plan is created.
Some couples notice significant changes after just a few sessions, while others may need a longer process to consolidate progress. What matters most is not the number of sessions, but the level of commitment and engagement with the process.
The ultimate goal is for both partners to feel better about themselves and their relationship, gaining tools to communicate and resolve differences in a healthier way.
What if one partner doesn’t want to go to therapy?
Sometimes, one partner may not wish to attend therapy. In these cases, it’s possible to work individually with the person who is willing to attend. The focus will be on personal aspects that may be affecting the relationship, such as decision-making, anxiety levels, and other related issues.
How much does a couples therapy session cost in Mallorca?
At the Instituto de Psicología – Sexología Mallorca, we offer the first in-person information session free of charge. Each subsequent session costs €70 and lasts approximately one hour.
Does couples therapy work?
The prognosis for therapy is positive if both partners understand the process they are beginning, are motivated, and follow through with the tasks and recommendations—in other words, if they are committed to the treatment. However, the prognosis is not as good when couples come to therapy as a last resort, on the verge of breaking up, and without sufficient motivation or involvement. Therefore, the chances of success are higher if the couple seeks therapy before reaching an advanced stage of emotional exhaustion.
Is couples therapy helpful for low sexual desire?
Couples therapy can be very helpful when low sexual desire is related to difficulties within the relationship. Often, desire is affected by communication issues, unresolved conflicts, routine, or emotional distance between partners. In these cases, working together in therapy helps to rebuild connection, trust, and intimacy, which can support the recovery of sexual desire.
However, when the main cause is more individual —such as stress, depression, hormonal changes, or the side effects of certain medical treatments— it may be more appropriate to address the issue through individual or sex therapy.
The therapist’s role is to help identify the main cause and guide each person or couple toward the most suitable approach for their situation.