The focus of couples counseling is on improving the quality of the relationship for both partners. Couples counseling looks at issues like communication, honesty, shared responsibilities, commitment, and mutual support. Problems such as abuse will also be addressed.

Many types of partnership can benefit from couples counseling, including married couples, couples preparing for marriage, cohabiting couples, dating couples, separated couples, and couples preparing for a divorce.

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Some common goals for couples counseling include improving communication, increasing intimacy, and resolving conflict. By setting measurable goals, the therapist and the couple can track the progress of the therapy and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.