Potential Benefits Of Online Couples Counseling And Therapy

Online relationship counseling sessions can be a beneficial way to connect with your partner, learn better communication skills, problem-solve specific challenges, and develop professional coping techniques, especially if you're experiencing marriage and family challenges. However, many couples may struggle to find in-person relationship or marriage counseling due to couples counseling cost, distance, or scheduling barriers when working with a therapist’s office. In these cases, many modern couples turn to online couples therapy services, which they may easily find through virtual therapy platforms.

Many individuals seeking relationship therapy may face conflict and challenging times in their relationships. Other couples might use online couples counseling to improve communication and grow as a couple. If you're in a couple and looking to work through marriage problems, dating difficulties, or relationship conflicts, relationship or marriage counseling may offer you unique tools and professional help for various challenges.

Online couples counseling

When you think of marriage or relationship counseling, you may envision a couple in a traditional in-person clinic discussing their concerns in front of a therapist. However, there are many other types of therapy, and couples therapy online is a viable alternative. Research shows that online couples therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many relationships. The benefits of online couples counseling typically include a more cost-effective and flexible structure, as compared to traditional face-to-face services. Online therapy can be conducted through video sessions, messaging, or voice calls, and it is often easier to create or modify appointments through a website than through an office. Live video sessions provide an interactive, face-to-face environment for clients to engage with their therapist in real time. Platforms like Regain provide therapy services catered to couples looking for relationship support. These therapy services provide flexible options for couples who cannot attend in-person sessions for just $260-$360 per month or $70-$100 per week.

Married partners can participate in online marriage therapy sessions with licensed therapists through specific virtual therapy websites. However, it’s important to note you do not need to be in a married couple in order to seek therapy services. 

When a couple opts for online counseling, they can search for a therapist to connect with from their own home or anywhere with an internet connection. In many cases, virtual therapy sessions can be used from different locations, which may be helpful for those in separate locations. Alternatively, couples in the same physical location can engage in therapy from the comfort of their shared home. Virtual couples therapy may also feel less stressful for couples as live sessions can be conducted in an environment where they feel safe. With the convenience of online therapy platforms, clients can find support from home or anywhere with an internet connection.

Benefits of online therapy

Consistently participating in relationship counseling may lead to several long-term benefits for couples, including improved intimacy, connection, communication, and mutual respect. Couples who participate in online couples therapy services may find it convenient to address these challenges without the need for physical appointments. Below are a few benefits you and your partner may experience from relationship therapy:

Improved communication 

For example, through relationship therapy, partners might experience an increased ability to effectively address disagreements over finances, feelings of blame, or family conflict. 

Re-engagement in your relationship

Many couples may feel they can re-engage in their relationship and rekindle the "spark" they may have first felt in the early stages of their love through fostering a deeper connection in relationship therapy.

Maintaining a foundation for healthy behaviors

You and your partner may learn to develop and maintain a foundation for your relationship to discuss challenging topics and feel confident in your ability to establish healthy behavioral patterns. Part of this foundation may include each of you taking time for individual self-care. 

Alignment of goals

You and your partner may learn to develop goals and priorities together rather than focusing on individual goals that may conflict with or strain your relationship.

You and your partner may learn to work together to develop a team outlook. Instead of seeing each other as individuals working "against" each other, you may learn to see each other as a team "against the problem." Working together through significant life transitions and challenges may help you feel closer overall. 

Finding success in therapy

Ensuring you and your partner are properly prepared for remote relationship therapy can help you both get the most out of the experience. When considering virtual marriage therapy, it can be essential to find a platform that meets both of your needs and provides a comfortable space for open communication. Below are several tips for making the most out of relationship therapy: 

Agree on therapists for couples counseling

When couples decide to find online marriage counseling or relationship counseling, they might have a difficult time finding a marriage counselor or couples therapist they both feel comfortable with. Therapists should not value one partner over the other. A skilled relationship therapist can help balance each partner’s perspective and create a safe environment for open communication. Additionally, if one partner does not like the marriage therapist, it may be best to consider a few other candidates before deciding. Through virtual therapy, you and your partner can switch therapists, if necessary, often in a more efficient manner than with in-person therapy. 

The professional you work with will often depend on the type of relationship therapy you are seeking. There are several modalities that may be utilized by an expert in marriage and family therapy, including emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the Gottman method. 

You may also want to work with someone who accepts insurance. However, online couples therapy typically isn’t included in health insurance coverage (the same is usually true for in-person counseling). While some virtual relationship counselors might not accept insurance, membership costs for internet therapy platforms are often as affordable as—or more affordable than—the costs of copays through an insurance plan. 

Communicate in a healthy way with support in online couples counseling

Healthy communication can be a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. According to research, healthy communication increases rates of marital satisfaction. A virtual family and marriage therapist can guide you through healthy discussions, give you relationship advice, help you understand your communication limitations, and provide you with tools to practice at home.

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, one of the top reasons marriages dissolve is the presence of conflict and frequent arguments, demonstrating that communication can be a crucial skill to discuss with your partner in a therapeutic environment. 

Combine online couple counseling with individual therapy

Many couples pursue individual therapy while also participating in joint counseling. Those who pursue therapy often find that both joint and individual therapy can work together to strengthen their bond. In individual talk therapy, each partner can focus on personal growth, which can positively impact the relationship. Through individual therapy, each partner can explore personal challenges that may be contributing to issues within the relationship. As marriage therapists are there to serve the relationship as a whole, an individual therapist can focus primarily on you and your concerns, which may also positively impact the relationship. For example, during individual therapy, you may address a mental health condition that contributes to conflict in your relationship. 

Online therapists

There are a few methods to find a therapist online. The following are some virtual therapy services (and other options) for couples seeking support:

• An online couples therapy platform, like Regain
• A self-practice online therapist in your state that offers telehealth therapy
• A group therapy for couples led by a licensed therapist
• An online individual therapy platform, like BetterHelp

In addition to couples therapy, there are other remote therapy services available, such as individual and family therapy.

What to expect through an online therapy platform 

Below are a few steps you might encounter when signing up for virtual therapy services: 

Registration for online therapy

After selecting an online therapy platform, you will typically be guided through a registration and intake process. You and your spouse or partner may begin the process of internet therapy by registering for an account through a platform. When you register, you can use your real name or choose a nickname. 

After you complete your registration, you may be prompted to complete an intake questionnaire. This questionnaire is one of the tools that mental health professionals may use to tailor their service to each partner. It may ask you for the following information: 

• If you're struggling with your mental health 
• What you hope to discuss in therapy
• Whether you want a BIPOC therapist
• Whether you want an LGBTQ+ therapist 
• Whether you and your partner have any cultural or spiritual preferences when it comes to therapy
• Any notes you have for your potential therapist before the therapy session begins

The first session 

Your therapist can create an assessment unique to your relationship based on the answers in your questionnaire. In your initial intake session, the therapist might also ask you and your partner what you hope to get from therapy and start developing a treatment plan personalized to your needs. Your therapist may provide focused relationship support based on the needs identified in your treatment plan.

Working through mental health and relationship issues in couples counseling

In future live sessions, you and your partner may bring up concerns to your therapist and discuss them together. Addressing these concerns can significantly improve both your relationship and your overall mental health care. If underlying issues such as anxiety or depression are present, mental health treatment may be integrated into the therapy plan. In the virtual format, your therapist may send you links to resources, worksheets to print or download, and messages. These resources can be valuable for providing ongoing relationship support between sessions. You can also message your therapist throughout the week at any time, and they will respond as soon as they are able. Some platforms offer unlimited messaging, allowing you to reach out to your therapist whenever issues arise.

Online vs. in-person

Sessions with an in-office therapist often last around 45 minutes to an hour. In virtual therapy sessions, the length can vary depending on the platform and the specific needs of the couple. Virtual sessions can be more flexible, lasting around 30 minutes, sometimes more and sometimes less. Scheduling can also be flexible, with many therapists having options for late at night, early in the morning, or on the weekends. Clients can engage in therapy without the hassle of commuting to a therapist's office. For busy couples, evening and weekend appointments make it easier to find time for therapy. A typical couples therapy session can be adapted to fit each partner's specific needs and schedules. They can also attend sessions from two separate locations if they are in a long-distance relationship or have busy schedules. Couples counseling through Regain costs between $65 and $100 per week and $260-$400 monthly (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist. In virtual therapy, you have the flexibility to create a therapy room at home where you and your partner feel most comfortable. A licensed therapist ensures that your therapy is provided by a professional with the necessary qualifications and expertise. All ReGain therapists are licensed and have at least three years of clinical experience. 

Remote marriage therapy services often offer an individualized approach to treatment. If you find that one method is not working, your therapist can work with you to change their approach. You can also request a new therapist and leave feedback if you have a challenging or exceptional experience. In contrast, the process of starting in-person counseling or changing therapists in an in-person setting may be more complicated. 

You can participate in multiple methods of remote counseling, including the following: 

• Premarital counseling or therapy
• Marital counseling or therapy
• Family therapy 
• Individual therapy focuses on relationships

Communicate your relationship goals before beginning counseling sessions

Another benefit of virtual counseling is that you can participate in sessions with a provider from a location that feels comfortable to you, which may allow you to immediately practice skills with your partner after therapy instead of waiting hours after a session to consider your assignments or lessons learned. Virtual relationship counseling services can also eliminate the stress of distant commutes and travel expenses that may be associated with in-office therapeutic services.