Couples therapy (also sometimes called couples counselling, relationship counselling or marriage therapy/counselling) is any type of therapy that supports people in intimate relationships.
Different therapists use a whole range of different techniques and types of therapy modalities, and some couples counsellors will work with intimate relationships involving more than two people.
People seeking couples counselling and relationship therapy often do so when communication has broken down, discontent has arisen, they are considering a breakup, separation, or they simply wish to know each other and their relationship better.
Relationship therapy can help to support people through big life changes (having children, moving, the death of a parent, taking on stepchildren, the loss of a job, infidelity) as well as offering hope when the relationship itself is struggling.
Often this will involve finding improved ways of communicating with each other.
A couples relationship therapist will not take sides during counselling but will support all people in the relationship to achieve mutually agreed therapeutic goals.