In the case of unmarried couples in longterm relationships, therapy serves as it has done traditionally, as the tipping point for bringing ambivalent partners closer together. But increasingly, it also functions as a tool to ease them more comfortably apart.

Can you go to couples therapy if youre not married?

Couples therapy is appropriate for any two adults who are having excessive conflict in their relationship. You can enter into therapy regardless of your living arrangements, or how long you have been together, or your sexual orientation. In fact, in many situations the “couple” is a parent and child, or siblings.

When should you start couples counseling?

When is the right time to see a therapist? Couples should seek therapy long before they think they “need” to. Most experts believe that therapy can be an important part of your relationship. “Most issues within a couple start small and then grow in size when they dont get resolved.

Will a couples therapist tell you to break up?

Many clients are nervous that when they finally do meet with their therapist, they will be met with some kind of fate about the relationship and that they will possibly hear something they dont want to. So, will we tell you to stay in a relationship or leave it? The answer is no.

Is it OK to ask a woman if shes single?

The safest bet is to laughingly mention something difficult about how youre single, and then ask her if she can relate to it. This is more daring than the previous methods, but its still essentially casual – theres a context for why youre asking!