Remote Couples Therapy: A Digital Bridge To Better Relationships

Couples therapy is widely practiced, with around 70% of psychotherapists worldwide stating that they treat couples. As divorce rates remain at around 50%, many couples may find themselves facing difficulties maintaining their relationships.

Remote couples therapy can be a helpful option for couples who may need relationship support. Couples can connect with a mental health professional via video calls, phone calls, or messaging platforms for assistance when they need it. Remote couples therapy may be especially beneficial for modern-day couples who have busy schedules or live in remote areas. 

As with traditional, in-person therapy sessions, remote couple therapy can allow couples to openly discuss their feelings, thoughts, and concerns with the help of a licensed therapist. Read on to learn more about remote couples therapy and its potential benefits. 

What is remote couples therapy?

Oftentimes, remote couples therapy sessions are held via videoconference or phone calls. These types of sessions allow partners to get therapy from the comfort of their own homes.

There are various therapeutic approaches that might be used in online couples counseling, including the Gottman Method, solution-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and imago relationship therapy. These methods may help with various challenges couples might be facing, such as trouble communicating, problems with trust, or difficulties settling disagreements.

There are also different types of counseling that can help with specific situations. For example, some therapists can help couples who are about to get married prepare for their new life together. Others might offer help for people in long-distance relationships who are trying to make things work while being far apart. 

Remote couples therapy isn't just for people facing challenges. It may also be helpful for couples experiencing big changes in their lives, such as merging two families together or trying to balance busy work schedules with their personal lives.

Benefits of remote couples therapy

Remote couples therapy may have several benefits that couples may find appealing. Depending on the couple’s lifestyle and preferences, online therapy may offer the following benefits:

Availability

Remote couples therapy can be valuable for those who may not be able to avail of traditional in-person therapy sessions. It can be particularly helpful for people who live in distant or rural areas or have physical conditions that make it difficult to travel from home to appointments. 

Because of the widespread availability of the internet and digital devices, couples can attend therapy sessions from anywhere, making counseling available to more people.

Affordable and flexible pricing

Many online couples therapy platforms often have more flexible pricing options compared to in-person sessions. The cost of remote online sessions can be less expensive, making therapy a more affordable choice for couples who need it. 

Some online platforms even offer discounts, adjustable fees based on income, and plans. These options can make it possible for couples to get help when they need it without worrying as much about the cost.

Convenience and flexible scheduling

One of the benefits of online relationship counseling is the convenience it offers. Couples can set up appointments when it works best for them, removing the need to travel or take time off from their jobs. 

This flexibility can allow therapy sessions to fit into a couple's schedule more easily, helping them maintain a balance between work and personal life.

What you can learn with remote couples therapy

With the help of a licensed therapist, couples therapy sessions can help people improve their relationships in a number of ways. Couples may find that they’re able to learn and implement different strategies to create a stronger bond in their relationships. 

Communication skills

Remote couples therapy or online marriage counseling may help clients improve their communication skills through different types of therapeutic exercises.

For example, during an online therapy session, a couple might be guided through an exercise called active listening. In this exercise, one partner tells their feelings or thoughts while the other listens without interrupting. 

After the first partner finishes speaking, the listening partner then summarizes what they heard to ensure they understood correctly. This process may help both individuals feel heard and understood. 

Conflict resolution

Conflict is often a part of any relationship, but unresolved problems can lead to arguments, resentment, and emotional strain. Online couples therapy can help partners create better conflict-resolution strategies. 

For instance, a therapist might teach a couple the "time-out" method, where if a conversation becomes too heated, they take a break to calm down before continuing. This guidance can assist couples in managing disagreements in a healthy and constructive way.

Improving intimacy

Marriage counseling can also help couples strengthen their bond. 

For example, a couple might find that work stress is affecting their emotional intimacy. The therapist can guide them through strategies to manage stress and maintain a strong connection despite external pressures. 

Through therapy sessions, couples can overcome obstacles to emotional or physical intimacy and create strategies to improve their connection.

Relationship satisfaction

Remote couples therapy may offer a valuable opportunity for couples to assess their relationship satisfaction and address any concerns. 

As an example, a couple might sense that they're stuck in a routine that's causing boredom and dissatisfaction. The therapist can help them understand their relationship dynamics better and suggest strategies to improve their overall satisfaction.

Finding an online therapy platform

When choosing an online couples therapy platform, you may want to make sure that the therapists are licensed and have the appropriate credentials. You can also confirm if the platform offers therapy sessions at an affordable rate or in a format with which you’re comfortable.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of therapy may vary from person to person, and it can be important to select a platform that suits your needs and preferences.

Research indicates that online couples therapy can be as effective as traditional face-to-face counseling in helping couples with relationship problems. One study found that participants experienced improvements in communication, intimacy, and psychological symptoms, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of remote couples therapy.

One online platform, BetterHelp, connects individuals and couples with licensed therapists who may specialize in relationship therapy. The platform uses a thorough matching process that pairs clients with a therapist best suited to manage their specific needs. As a result, couples may be able to effectively work through relationship challenges with an online therapy platform.