Hot new trends in couples therapy

A man and a woman smile as they look at each other during an online couples therapy session.

Hot off the research couch

Couples therapy is a constantly evolving field.
What’s the latest buzz?

In this blog post, our couples therapist Natalie Bergman shares current research insights, with a quick look at exciting innovations in couples therapy.

Meet the author

Natalie Bergman, MA, RPsych
COUPLES THERAPIST

Meet the editor

Ana Hoepfner, BEc
COMMUNICATIONS

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s trending in couples therapy

1. Diverse perspectives.

Couples therapy now embraces cultural, sexual, and gender diversity to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

2. Mindfulness and self-compassion.

Therapists are integrating mindfulness practices to help couples manage stress and build empathy.

3. Focusing on prevention.

Couples therapists are focusing on strengthening relationships before issues arise, promoting resilience and early intervention. An amply cited research found that on average, couples wait six years before seeking therapy (Gottman, 1999); a more recent study found an average interval of 2.68 years from the onset of problems and entering couples therapy (Doherty et al, 2021). However, remember that you don’t need to struggle for years without seeking help; please seek support to hone in on any small relational issues before they snowball.

4. Tech-savvy tools.

Telepsychology and digital tools are making therapy more accessible than ever.

5. Data-driven insights.

Couples therapists are increasingly using research-based data and measurement tools to track progress and tailor therapy to your need. Data also offers therapists useful insights about family structure and what issues we struggle with as a society. For example, in Canada, divorce rates are lower than they have been in the last 50 years, although fewer couples are getting married (Vanier Institute, 2024).

Couples therapy is evolving to be more inclusive, innovative, and effective.

Emotionally-focused therapy, for example, has been found highly effective,
with dozens of peer-reviewed studies citing 70% to 90% success rates.

References

Doherty, W.J., Harris, S.M., Hall, E.L. and Hubbard, A.K. (2021), How long do people wait before seeking couples therapy? A research note. J Marital Fam Ther, 47: 882-890. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12479
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically-based marital therapy. WW Norton & Company.
Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359-1385. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12824
The Vanier Institute of the Family. (2024). Family structure. In Families count 2024.
https://vanierinstitute.ca/families-count-2024/family-structure

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