Let's Talk Couple's Therapy Myths!

Please note, this blog is written and maintained by non-clinical staff. Therefore, the contents of this blog should be taken as psychoeducation and opinion only, and not as medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911 for immediate assistance.

Our practice, Caring Conversations, is owned by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). So we feel passionately for couple's therapy. Couple's therapy can be misunderstood and myths abound. Let's dispel some of those myths today!

Myth #1: Couples Therapy is only for married couples

Truth: Nope! Many couples that come to relationship therapy are not married. Couples therapy can help improve communication and relationship dynamics - something helpful for both married and unmarried couples.

Myth #2: Couples therapy is only for couples in crisis

Truth: Also false. Couples therapy can address a variety of concerns: infidelity, communication difficulties, parenting struggles, emotional connection, betrayal trauma, conflict resolution, and so much more.

Myth #3: The therapist will take sides

Truth: Couples therapists are trained to not take sides. This unfortunately does happen with some therapists; however, it is not suppose to. There may be times where a session focuses more heavily on one person, but a therapist should not call anyone a liar, or that one party is right, etc. (an exception to this is safety; if someone is unsafe or in an abusive situation the advice will be different)

Myth 4: All therapists are qualified to do couple's therapy

Truth: No, No, No!!! We encourage people seeking couple's therapy to look for an LMFT or someone with extensive training in treating couples. (Our therapist, Charlene, has completed several Gottman trainings, for example!) Be sure to ask about the therapist's qualifications and trainings.

Myth #5: Marriage therapy is the magic fix I've been looking for.

Truth: Couples/marriage therapy will not change someone who does not want to change; it cannot eliminate all conflict; and it will not be effective in instances of abuse. Couples therapy can be amazing! But it's as effective as the amount of work the couple is willing to put in!

Myth #6: My priest/pastor/friend is our therapist, we don't need professional help.

Truth: Most priests & pastors have a course or two at best in counseling. Professional, licensed counselors have an entire degree, thousands of supervised hours, a licensing exam, and continuing education credits. We respect priests and pastors, and deeply appreciate the intense work they do with couples, individuals, and families; however, they do not have the qualifications to do what a licensed therapist does. Same with friends - super helpful, so glad you have them, but they are not trained or equipped to handle "counseling".

Couples therapy doesn't make your relationship perfect, but it can help make it more intentional, focused, connected, and emotionally safe.

If you are in Greensburg or Westmoreland county seeking couples therapy, we got you. We offer trauma-focused relationship therapy for couples, both in-person or virtually in Pennsylvania, Our work focuses on helping couples understand themselves, each other, and their relationship more deeply — so meaningful change can happen.