Does couples therapy really work?

A look at the research

In this blog post, couples therapist Natalie Bergman talks about two of the most well-supported approaches in couples therapy today.

A woman and a man sitting on a couples counselling couch. The back of a therapist's head is visible in the bottom left corner, in the foregraound.

Meet the author

Natalie Bergman, DCP, RPsych
COUPLES THERAPIST

In short: yes (with some caveats)

When relationships hit rocky patches, couples often consider therapy as a last resort — but it doesn’t have to be. Addressing difficulties as they arise, before they build up over many years, prevents issues and hurt feelings from growing unnecessarily.

Couples therapy is designed to strengthen your relationship. It is not just about getting back to the way things were in the beginning — couples who are ready and willing to dedicate themselves to the couples therapy process can emerge with a new, greater level of closeness and connection, unlike anything they had ever experienced.

So what does the research say about its effectiveness? Here’s a look at two of the most well-supported approaches in couples therapy today.

Emotionally focused therapy.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most researched and effective approaches to couples counselling. It focuses on helping couples understand and restructure emotional responses. EFT works by identifying the negative cycles in relationships, such as avoidance, blaming, or emotional withdrawal, and helping couples reconnect on a deeper emotional level. Research by Johnson et al. (1999) shows that 70-75% of couples who participate in EFT experience improvement in their relationship, with 90% showing noticeable positive changes in communication and emotional bonding (Johnson et al., 1999).

Gottman Therapy

Developed by Dr. John Gottman, this method focuses on conflict resolution, emotional connection, and creating shared meaning. The Gottman Method teaches couples how to de-escalate conflict by employing tools like “repair attempts” and understanding emotional triggers. Gottman’s research is renowned for its predictive power, with studies showing that relationship outcomes can be predicted with over 90% accuracy based on how couples handle conflict (Gottman & Silver, 2015).

This method emphasizes building a strong friendship foundation within the relationship and improving how partners communicate and repair after disagreements.

Couples therapy has come a long way

The effectiveness of couples therapy is well-documented across several approaches. Whether you’re struggling with emotional disconnection or communication issues, methods like EFT and the Gottman Method can help you and your partner find your way back to a secure, loving relationship.

References

Johnson, S. M., Hunsley, J., Greenberg, L., & Schindler, D. (1999). Emotionally focused couples therapy: Status & challenges. Journal of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6(1), 67-79. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.6.1.67
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work: A practical guide from the country’s foremost relationship expert. Harmony Books.