Couples therapy (also called marriage therapy, marriage counseling, and couples counseling) helps partners learn to identify and resolve their interpersonal communication challenges and relationship conflict.  Typically, couples initially meet with their provider for an hour and a half to discuss reasons for seeking couples therapy and to provide a history of the couples’ relationship.  In separate follow up sessions, the provider will meet with each person to learn more about their individual history and how it may relate to current concerns in the relationship.  At the following session, patients work collaboratively with their provider to determine treatment goals and a treatment plan.  Couples meet with their provider weekly until treatment goals have been reached.  After that, it is common to meet less frequently for a few months as couples become more comfortable and confident in using their new skills independently.