5 Signs Your Relationship Could Benefit from Couples Therapy | Dr. Eric Taber, Psychologist

Every relationship has ups and downs. No matter how strong your bond, every couple faces moments when communication falters, needs go unmet, or life stress makes it harder to stay connected. These struggles don’t mean something is “wrong” with your relationship — they mean you’re human.

Sometimes, though, the disconnect lingers longer than either partner wants. You may find yourselves repeating the same arguments, feeling misunderstood, or missing the closeness you once had. This is where couples therapy can be profoundly helpful.

As a couples therapist in West Hempstead, NY, I often remind partners that seeking help isn’t a sign of failure — it’s an act of courage and care for your relationship. It’s easy to ignore the struggle, but it’s brave to accept that the struggle is there and attempt to address it. Therapy provides a calm, neutral space to slow down, understand each other’s perspectives, and begin building trust and understanding again.

Here are five signs your relationship might benefit from couples therapy:

1. Communication feels tense, repetitive, or nonexistent.

Every couple argues — that’s part of being in a relationship. But when conversations start to feel like battles or you stop trying to talk at all, it’s often a signal that you both need new tools. In therapy, we practice slowing down, listening differently, and finding ways to express needs without criticism or defensiveness. We identify gridlocked issues vs. solvable ones and develop strategies to deal with both.

2. You feel more like roommates than partners.

Maybe the spark has dimmed or you’ve fallen into routines that leave little room for emotional connection. Maybe your work schedules cause you to feel like ships passing in the night. This doesn’t mean love is gone — often, it simply needs to be nurtured again. Together, we can work on rebuilding closeness and rediscovering what drew you to each other in the first place.

3. There’s been a breach of trust.

Trust can be shaken by many things — infidelity, secrecy, emotional distance, or broken promises. Healing from these hurts takes time, patience, and guidance. Again, addressing these issues instead of walking away shows bravery. Therapy offers a structured space to talk openly, rebuild accountability, and create a foundation for genuine forgiveness and repair.

4. You disagree about big life decisions.

Whether it’s parenting, finances, or future plans, major differences can leave you feeling stuck or alone. It’s normal to disagree on these decisions-nobody agrees on everything. But maybe you feel a sense of shock or betrayal by these conversations. Maybe you feel that these disagreements are preventing you from moving forward as a family. In couples counseling, we explore what these conflicts represent for each of you and help you find common ground while respecting your individual values.

5. You both care about the relationship but feel unsure how to fix it.

This is one of the most common reasons couples come to therapy. Even when there’s still love, partners can feel lost in how to reconnect. Having a neutral, trained therapist guide you through those conversations can help you see each other with fresh eyes and renewed empathy.

Why Couples Therapy Can Help

The goal of couples therapy isn’t to decide who’s right or wrong — it’s to help you both feel heard, understood, and emotionally safe. Together, we work on communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional reconnection so you can move forward with confidence and compassion.

Many couples tell me they wish they had started therapy sooner. Why? Because it’s sometimes easier for your partner to understand your perspective when summarized by a trained, objective professional. Once you begin, it’s often a relief to realize you’re not as far apart as you thought — you just needed a space and a guide to help you find your way back to each other.

Taking the First Step

If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply ready to grow closer, know that help is available. Therapy is a place to pause, reflect, and rebuild — not a last resort, but a powerful investment in your relationship.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact me today. I offer both in-person and online couples therapy for clients throughout West Hempstead and across New York State.

This content is for general psychoeducation only and is not intended to serve as personalized couples therapy, clinical advice, or a substitute for professional guidance. Each relationship is unique — please consult with a licensed mental health professional for individualized support.