Types of Couples Counseling for Communication Problems

Reviewed By Debra Feinberg, LCSW

At Maplewood Counseling, we provide inclusive care for people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, including interfaith, interracial, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and blended families. Our therapists bring lived experiences and specialized training to create a safe, affirming space for all.

If you and your partner keep having the same arguments or feel misunderstood, please know you’re not alone. Many couples experience communication challenges at some point. Reaching out for help is a meaningful step that shows how much you care about your relationship.

The encouraging news is there are several proven counseling methods designed to help couples move past communication barriers and reconnect. Counseling gives you both a supportive space to talk about your struggles and learn practical skills to communicate better together.

Let’s look at the main types of couples counseling that can help you strengthen your connection and understand each other more deeply.

What Are the Main Ways Couples Counseling Can Help?

Each counseling approach is unique, offering different strengths and techniques. The key is to find what works best for you as a couple.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is based on the idea that communication struggles often come from deeper emotional needs. When you and your partner feel distant, it’s easy to get caught in the same negative cycles—one person might pull away while the other tries harder to reconnect.

EFT therapists help you both recognize these patterns without blame. You will learn to see your partner’s and your own feelings more clearly, which can make tough conversations feel safer and more caring.

How it helps: EFT guides you through three steps: calming down tough patterns, sharing your true feelings, and building new, healthier ways to talk and listen. The goal is for both people to feel more secure and connected.
A gentle reminder: Communication issues are not personal failings. They are natural, especially when someone feels unheard or alone. When you understand each other’s deeper needs, kinder and more open conversation follows.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Couples

CBT looks at how your thoughts and habits affect your relationship. For example, do you sometimes assume your partner “never listens” or “always forgets things”? These patterns can make it harder to understand each other.

CBT therapists help you spot and challenge these ideas, offering tools that make communicating simpler and more direct.

How it helps: You’ll learn step-by-step skills for sharing what you need, listening kindly, and responding instead of reacting during conflict. The therapy involves both in-session practice and activities to try at home.
Who it helps: If you like practical, goal-based work, CBT may fit well. Couples often receive specific exercises and ways to track their progress, helping them build confidence along the way.

How Do These Approaches Improve Communication?

It’s important to know how each method works, because everyone’s experience is different.

EFT helps you explore the feelings that drive your words and actions, leading to more empathy and trust.
CBT provides tools to spot negative thought patterns and teaches new habits for clearer conversation.

How Do You Choose the Best Approach?

Choosing counseling can feel overwhelming at first. Your decision will depend on your unique relationship and personal comfort with each style.

Ask yourself and your partner a few important questions:

Do emotional patterns or unspoken feelings seem to drive conflict? If so, EFT may feel supportive.
Do you both prefer practical tips and goals? CBT could be the right fit.

Remember, it’s okay to try what feels best for you. Every relationship is different, and there’s no one “right” way to fix communication struggles.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Communication challenges do not define you or your partnership. With the right support and commitment, you both can learn new skills, connect more deeply, and manage disagreements in a healthier way.

Seeking counseling is a courageous and caring act. At Maplewood Counseling, our therapists are trained in multiple approaches like EFT and CBT, so we can help you find what’s right for your journey.

If you’re ready for a change—or just want to talk about your options—we’re here for you, every step of the way. Starting with a conversation is the first step toward a stronger, more understanding relationship. Reach out to explore how our experience and support can help you and your partner thrive, together.

Get in Touch

Helpful Resources

Couples Therapy
Find support for relationships with compassionate, evidence-based couples counseling tailored to your unique needs.
Individual Therapy
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Family Therapy in NJ
Strengthen family bonds and navigate life’s challenges together with our inclusive, family-focused therapy services.
New Client Hub
Visit our New Client Hub—a welcoming center with resources, forms, and helpful information to guide you through your first steps as a new client.
Therapist Matching
Find the right therapist for your needs with our personalized matching service designed to support your unique goals and preferences.
First Session Guide
Curious about what to expect? This guide walks you through your first counseling session to help you feel prepared and supported.
Telehealth Counseling Standards
Learn about our secure, confidential virtual therapy options for convenient and effective care—wherever you are in New Jersey.
Insurance Information
Understand your insurance benefits, payment options, and how to make the most of your therapy coverage with our helpful overview.
Paying for Therapy
Learn how to pay for therapy with out-of-network reimbursement examples, superbill guidance, HSA/FSA tips, and a cost calculator.
Contact Us
Ready to take the next step or have questions? Connect with our team for guidance, scheduling, or more information. We’re here to help.

If you have additional questions or want to take the next step, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your well-being matters to us, and we are here for you every step of the way.

At Maplewood Counseling, we are dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in achieving mental wellness. Based in Maplewood, NJ, we proudly serve the Essex County, NJ community and offer statewide telehealth services to ensure accessible care for all. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or personal growth, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We Use HIPAA Compliant Telehealth Platform SimplePractice for our Telehealth Sessions

Trauma-Informed Couples Therapy at Maplewood Counseling

Relationships

Trauma-Informed Couples Care at Maplewood Counseling

Reviewed by Debra Feinberg LCSW and Robert Jenkins LCSW at Maplewood Counseling

When past trauma impacts a relationship, it can feel like an invisible barrier, creating distance and misunderstanding even when you both want to be closer. You may find yourselves stuck in cycles of conflict or emotional withdrawal, where one or both partners are reacting to painful memories without even realizing it. At Maplewood Counseling, we understand that these experiences require a special kind of care, one that recognizes the deep impact of trauma on individuals and partnerships.

Our approach to trauma-informed couples care is built on a foundation of safety, empathy, and respect. We provide a space where you and your partner can navigate these sensitive issues together, turning challenges into opportunities for profound healing and connection. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms but to help you build a relationship where both partners feel secure, understood, and truly seen.

Creating a Foundation of Safety

The first and most important principle of trauma-informed care is safety. For healing to begin, both partners must feel physically and emotionally secure. We know that discussing past trauma can be incredibly vulnerable, and our therapists are trained to create a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences.

We establish safety by:

Setting Clear Boundaries: We work with you to establish clear guidelines for communication during sessions, ensuring that conversations remain respectful and productive.
Honoring Your Pace: You are always in control of what you share and when. There is no pressure to disclose anything before you feel ready.
Building Trust: Our therapists prioritize building a trusting, collaborative relationship with both of you, acting as a stable and reliable guide on your journey.

Feeling safe allows your nervous systems to relax, making it possible to engage in the therapeutic process without feeling overwhelmed. It is the bedrock upon which all other healing work is built.

The Importance of Pacing

Healing from trauma is a marathon, not a sprint. Rushing the process can often do more harm than good, leading to re-traumatization and burnout. That’s why pacing is a central element of our trauma-informed couples care. We move at a speed that feels manageable and right for you.

Pacing involves carefully managing the flow of therapy to prevent emotional flooding. A therapist skilled in trauma care will help you touch upon difficult memories or emotions for short periods before guiding you back to a place of stability and calm. This gentle, measured approach ensures that the work remains productive and empowering rather than overwhelming. By honoring your unique rhythm of healing, we help you build resilience and confidence one step at a time.

Using Titration for Gentle Processing

Titration is a technique used in trauma therapy to process difficult experiences in small, digestible amounts. Think of it like adding a single drop of a powerful substance into a large volume of water—the essence is there, but its intensity is diluted, making it much easier to handle.

In a session, this might look like:

Briefly exploring a challenging memory or feeling.
Pausing to notice the sensations in your body.
Focusing on resources that help you feel grounded and calm.

This method allows you to process trauma without becoming overwhelmed by it. For couples, titration helps you both stay present and connected, even when discussing painful subjects. It transforms therapy from a potentially scary experience into a series of manageable steps toward healing, strengthening your ability to support each other along the way.

Begin Your Journey to Healing Together

Navigating the effects of trauma within a relationship can be one of the most difficult challenges a couple can face, but you do not have to do it alone. Maplewood Counseling offers a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that honors your experiences and empowers your partnership. Our methods, centered on safety, pacing, and titration, are designed to create a secure path toward healing and connection.

If you are ready to build a stronger, more resilient future together, we invite you to take the next step. Contact us today to learn more about our in-person and virtual couples counseling sessions and to schedule a consultation.

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my partner is hesitant to talk about trauma?

This is a very common and understandable concern. Our therapists are skilled at creating a balanced and supportive environment where both partners feel secure. We never force disclosure and will work with you to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for everyone. The focus is on strengthening the relationship, not just on the trauma itself.

Will we have to relive painful memories over and over?

No. The goal of trauma-informed care is healing, not re-traumatization. We use gentle techniques like pacing and titration to ensure you are never overwhelmed. This means we only touch on difficult material in small, manageable doses before guiding you back to a feeling of safety and calm. You are always in control of the process.

How is trauma-informed couples care different from regular couples counseling?

While regular couples counseling is effective for many issues, trauma-informed care adds a crucial layer of understanding about how past trauma affects the nervous system, behavior, and relationship dynamics. It specifically incorporates principles of safety, pacing, and titration to help couples navigate the unique challenges that arise when one or both partners have experienced trauma.

How long does trauma-informed therapy take?

The duration of therapy is unique to every couple. Because we honor your individual pace, there is no set timeline. Our focus is on sustainable healing and building a resilient foundation for your relationship, however long that takes. We will regularly check in with you to ensure the process feels right and is meeting your needs.

Begin Your Journey to Healing Together

Get in Touch

Interfaith and Interracial Relationship Resources

Navigating Cultural Differences in Interfaith Relationships
Explore how to honor both faiths in your relationship while building a strong, united partnership. Includes actionable tips and real-life examples.
Building Bridges in Interracial Relationships
Learn how to navigate cultural differences and external pressures in interracial relationships with empathy and understanding.
Communication Tips for Culturally Diverse Couples
Overcome communication barriers rooted in cultural differences with practical advice and tools for deeper connection.
Creating a Shared Vision for Interfaith and Interracial Families
Discover how to align on values, traditions, and goals to build a unified family culture that celebrates your unique backgrounds.
How Therapy Can Support Interfaith and Interracial Couples
Understand how therapy can help couples navigate cultural and religious differences, improve communication, and strengthen their bond.

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