How Many Couples Stay Together After Couples Therapy?

Struggling to save a relationship can feel overwhelming and lonely. Around 70 per cent of couples who try marriage counselling report success, according to research. This article will explore how therapy helps improve relationships and what factors impact its success.

Keep reading to see if couples therapy could be the solution for you.

Key Takeaways

• Around 70 per cent of couples report positive outcomes from marriage counselling, with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) having a success rate of 70 to 75 per cent.
• Therapists recommend attending therapy for three to twelve months, as early intervention improves results. Delaying help by an average of six years can worsen issues.
• Consistent participation and mutual commitment are key factors in success, supported by skilled therapists using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy or EFT.
• Financial stress, infidelity, parenting differences and lack of intimacy are common reasons couples seek therapy to rebuild trust and improve communication.
• About 90 per cent of couples completing therapy note improved emotional well-being through enhanced empathy, conflict resolution skills and deeper connections.

How Many Couples Stay Together After Couples Therapy?

Marriage counselling has proven to be highly effective in saving relationships, with many couples reporting improved relationships after therapy, often tied to their commitment and effort.

Specific approaches, like emotionally focused therapy, have demonstrated higher effectiveness in strengthening bonds.

Success rates of couples therapy

Couples therapy has proven highly effective for many relationships. Around 70 per cent of couples in marriage counselling report positive outcomes, according to the Australian Association of Family Therapy.

The success rate for couples therapy can vary widely, with reports indicating success rates between 11 and 98 per cent, depending on the type of therapy, commitment level and other factors.

About 50 per cent of couples that undergo Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) stay together immediately after therapy, and 70 per cent reconcile within three months, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in strengthening relationships.

In Australia, approximately 48 per cent of first marriages end in divorce, despite many couples pursuing therapy, highlighting both the challenges couples face and the potential benefits of early intervention.

The majority of couples (about 71 per cent) who have undergone therapy would recommend it to others, reflecting general satisfaction and perceived value of the therapeutic process.

About 90 per cent claim improved emotional wellbeing after working with a licensed therapist, based on findings from the Australian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) offers success rates ranging between 70 and 73 per cent, helping partners achieve their goals. Studies show those engaging in couples therapy perform better than 70 to 80 per cent who skip treatment entirely.

Despite this, one third may drop out early, often resulting in separation or divorce. This highlights the importance of counselling in navigating marital challenges and its impact on divorce rates.

Factors influencing success rates

The commitment of both partners significantly impacts therapy success, but several factors also play a crucial role. Around 98 per cent of individuals view marriage counselling as a positive step, but its effectiveness relies on active participation.

Relationship improvement often depends on emotional investment and the willingness to implement changes discussed during sessions.

Sessions with skilled psychotherapists or family therapists also play a key role. While the primary factor is the couple’s commitment, the second factor is the quality of the counsellor, emphasising the importance of having a skilled professional to guide the therapy process. A therapist’s qualifications and understanding of cognitive behavioural therapies improve outcomes.

Timing matters too, as couples often wait an average of six years before seeking help, which can complicate issues further. Completing the recommended twelve sessions enhances emotional connection and communication skills while addressing underlying conflicts effectively.

Benefits of Couples Therapy

Couples counselling helps partners rebuild trust and deepen their emotional bond. It provides practical tools to address issues and strengthen the relationship.

Improved communication

Therapy strengthens communication skills, enabling partners to share their thoughts and feelings clearly. Recognising a partner’s individual issues in a safe, confidential environment fosters open dialogue without fear of judgement or rejection.

Partners develop empathy by understanding each other’s experiences better. This deeper connection helps avoid misunderstandings and builds trust within intimate relationships.

Increased emotional connection

Distressed couples can benefit significantly from couples therapy, which can strengthen emotional bonds between partners. Ninety per cent of couples completing therapy report improved emotional well-being, highlighting the positive impact on their relationships.

This process often helps partners understand each other’s emotions more deeply and fosters empathy.

Focusing on relationship improvement during sessions builds trust and intimacy. By addressing underlying issues such as communication gaps or unresolved conflicts, couples create stronger connections.

These improvements set a foundation for lasting emotional closeness and mutual support in daily life.

Conflict resolution skills

Conflict resolution equips partners with tools to handle disagreements constructively before they escalate into serious problems. Therapy focuses on teaching couples how to articulate concerns and listen actively. Partners learn techniques like negotiation, empathy and compromise to resolve disputes effectively.

For instance, addressing financial stress or parenting differences becomes more manageable when both individuals communicate their needs clearly.

Therapists also help couples develop long-term strategies for relationship maintenance. Skills such as identifying triggers and avoiding escalation prove essential in preventing repeated conflicts.

These methods address current issues while creating a foundation for future growth and harmony in relationships.

Common Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Couples often attend therapy to address relational difficulties that strain their relationships. These challenges may disrupt trust, communication or daily harmony.

Infidelity

Infidelity often brings emotional pain and trust issues into relationships. Over 40 per cent of couples who disclose an affair during therapy still separate or file for divorce. Rebuilding trust after betrayal demands honesty, patience and consistent communication from both partners.

Addressing infidelity in marriage counselling can also reveal hidden problems within the relationship. By confronting these challenges head-on, some intimate partners experience growth, improved communication skills and a stronger emotional connection over time. However, if reconciliation is not possible, divorce counselling can help couples navigate the process of divorce rather than mending their marriage.

Financial stress

Financial stress often triggers conflict within relationships. Around 40 per cent of disagreements in long-term couples arise from financial matters. Economic challenges, like sudden expenses or reduced income, can intensify these disputes, especially when one partner feels more burdened by the financial strain.

Couples with joint finances tend to experience higher relationship satisfaction and fewer money-related conflicts than those managing separate accounts.

Disparities in spending habits or priorities frequently worsen tensions between partners. Developing shared financial goals may help minimise arguments and foster collaboration. Marriage counselling focuses on improving communication skills, which aids couples in handling monetary issues more effectively while reducing strain on their relationship.

Parenting differences

First marriages often face significant stress due to parenting differences. Around 75 per cent of couples face disputes related to marriage and co-parenting issues. These conflicts impact both their bond and the well-being of their children.

Positive parenting practices, like active support between partners, can strengthen marital quality. On the other hand, unresolved disagreements lead to negative outcomes for child development.

Co-parenting plays a vital role in shaping a child’s emotional health. Its quality directly influences children more than the state of the parents’ relationship itself. Couples who develop strong conflict resolution skills through therapy reduce tension at home.

This approach ensures healthier communication patterns while fostering stability for children during critical growth stages.

Lack of intimacy

Lack of intimacy often leads couples to seek counselling, especially when they have been experiencing marital issues for a very long time. Many factors can create emotional or physical distance in a relationship. Stress, unresolved conflicts and health problems may contribute to disconnection.

In some cases, declining sexual interest or communication breakdowns add strain. Surveys reveal that poor emotional affection is among the top issues for married couples seeking help.

Couples therapy focuses on rebuilding trust and boosting connection through proven techniques like behavioural therapies and relationship education. Therapists aim to address the root causes affecting closeness by developing empathy and improving communication skills.

With early intervention, about 88 per cent of couples believe therapy offers better chances to repair relationships before issues worsen further.

Additional Insights on Therapy Seeking

Forty-eight per cent of first marriages in Australia end in divorce, underscoring the importance of seeking help early.

A study found that about thirty-five per cent of couples in therapy start before moving in together, indicating a proactive approach to relationship health.

Among couples who have never tried marriage counselling, about fifty-two per cent are open to the idea, showing growing acceptance of therapy.

Approximately thirty-five per cent of people in couples therapy report that it makes them more open to individual therapy, highlighting the complementary benefits.

Many people believe couples therapy is only for serious relationship issues, although early intervention can prevent problems from escalating.

About forty per cent of couples who seek therapy still get divorced within four years, emphasising that therapy is not a guaranteed solution but can improve chances.

One third of people do not go to therapy because their partner does not want to attend, pointing to the challenge of mutual commitment in seeking help.

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Couples therapy begins with understanding the therapeutic process and the issues affecting the relationship. Therapists use specific methods to guide partners toward healthier interactions and emotional growth.

Initial assessment

The initial assessment takes a structured three-step approach, with each session running for two hours. The first step focuses on understanding the couple’s relationship history, pinpointing conflicts and outlining relationship goals.

At the end of this session, participants receive questionnaires inspired by Dr John Gottman’s research to complete at home. Private discussions occur during step two, addressing individual concerns and reviewing completed forms to gain deeper insights into the issues affecting their bond. Individual sessions are also conducted during this phase to allow partners to address sensitive topics privately before engaging in conjoint therapy.

Goal setting

Couples therapy often begins with setting clear relationship goals. These goals guide the process and help both partners stay focused on improvement. Examples may include enhancing communication skills, rebuilding trust after infidelity or addressing parenting differences.

Clear objectives can increase success rates by motivating couples to commit fully to the journey.

Therapists use these targets to design sessions that align with each couple’s unique needs. For instance, a goal might involve improving emotional well-being through mindfulness exercises or resolving financial stress using practical strategies.

Studies suggest that such focus directly impacts outcomes, as 90 per cent of couples report improved relationships post-therapy when working with defined goals.

Therapeutic techniques used

Therapists use the Appreciation Exercise to rebuild trust and warmth between partners. This technique encourages each individual to express gratitude for specific actions or qualities in their partner, creating positive emotions and fostering emotional connection.

The Platinum Rule guides couples to focus on their partner’s preferences rather than their own. By doing so, they strengthen harmony and improve relationship satisfaction. Regular positive interactions also change brain neurons, increasing love and reducing anger over time.

Factors That Impact the Success of Couples Therapy

The success of couples therapy depends on the effort and willingness of both partners to engage actively, as their commitment is the most important factor. A therapist’s expertise and approach can greatly influence a couple’s progress toward healthier communication and conflict resolution.

Commitment from both partners

Commitment plays a vital role in the success of couples therapy. Both individuals must attend sessions regularly and actively engage in exercises or discussions. This shared effort shows dedication to resolving conflicts and improving their relationship.

Consistency in participation helps create a positive foundation for progress.

Mutual commitment ensures both partners work together on shared goals. It fosters deeper trust, improved communication skills and heightened emotional connection during couple counselling.

Without equal involvement, therapies such as family systems therapies or behavioural marital therapy may face reduced effectiveness over time. If one partner has already decided on a different path, such as divorce, it can significantly hamper the chances of successful counselling.

Quality of the therapist

The effectiveness of couples therapy depends largely on the expertise and skills of the marriage and family therapists. Experienced therapists adjust their approach by integrating various methodologies such as cognitive behavioural therapies or emotionally focused techniques.

This adaptability helps address each couple’s unique challenges, improving success rates significantly.

Nearly 98 per cent of clients rate their counselling experiences as good or excellent, which highlights the value of a skilled professional in relationship improvement. A competent therapist fosters trust, facilitates open communication and equips partners with practical conflict resolution tools suited to their specific needs.

Timing and duration of therapy

Couples therapy often spans from three months to a year, though it can extend based on needs. Around 70 per cent of couples tend to reconcile within the next three months after undergoing therapy. Most therapy models recommend attending sessions over three to twelve months for effective results.

Short-term goals may resolve smaller conflicts, while long-term commitment addresses deeper issues.

Many couples delay seeking counselling by an average of six years after problems arise, as noted by Dr John Gottman. Early intervention often improves outcomes and reduces the risk of lasting damage to relationships.

Frequent, consistent sessions provide the structure needed for progress in communication skills and conflict resolution strategies.

Success Rates by Type of Therapy

Research suggests different therapies show varying success rates, offering couples options that suit their unique relationship dynamics—explore which method might work best for you.

Many couple therapies have evolved from various theoretical traditions, incorporating diverse techniques and methods. Today, couple therapy often employs a combination of individual and conjoint sessions to maximise therapeutic benefits.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps couples rebuild stronger bonds by focusing on emotions and communication. Around 90 per cent of couples who undergo EFT report significant improvement in their relationships, with 70 to 75 per cent resolving relationship distress entirely.

This therapy targets negative interaction patterns while addressing feelings like loneliness or misunderstanding.

Couples learn to identify emotional triggers through guided sessions and develop healthier ways to connect. EFT creates deeper understanding between partners by fostering empathy and reducing conflict cycles, making it highly effective for improving long-term relationship satisfaction and fostering better relationships.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps couples address negative thoughts and behaviours affecting their relationship. Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT), a branch of CBT, shows about 70 per cent improvement in relationships post-treatment.

This method focuses on modifying harmful patterns while enhancing problem-solving skills.

Around half of couples maintain these improvements five years after CBCT. Integrated CBCT methods have a recovery rate of 71 per cent, surpassing the traditional approach’s 54 per cent. Using evidence-based strategies, CBCT strengthens communication, rebuilds trust and improves emotional resilience in partners. However, the success of CBCT can also be influenced by other factors, such as partner involvement and expectations.

Integrative Behavioural Couple Therapy (IBCT)

Integrative Behavioural Couple Therapy (IBCT) focuses on fostering acceptance between partners. Instead of pushing behavioural changes, it encourages couples to alter their reactions and responses.

This approach helps reduce conflict by promoting understanding rather than blame. Clinical trials highlight measurable success, showing significant improvements in relationship satisfaction through IBCT.

The Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognises IBCT as effective for enhancing relationships and addressing issues such as emotional abuse or post-traumatic stress. They actively train clinicians to use this method due to its proven results in reducing distress and helping couples improve their relationships.

Cognitive-behavioural couple therapy, integrative behavioural couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy are well-established treatments for relationship distress.

Divorce Rates and Couples Therapy

Understanding how couples therapy affects divorce rates provides valuable insight into its long-term impact on relationships. Approximately 50 per cent of couples stay together immediately after therapy, and this number increases to about 70 per cent who reconcile within the next three months. This suggests that therapy can be quite effective in helping couples resolve conflicts and rebuild their relationships in the short term.

However, research also indicates that about 35 to 50 per cent of couples experience deterioration or divorce within two to five years after completing therapy. This highlights that while couples therapy can offer significant benefits, maintaining relationship stability over the long term often requires ongoing effort and commitment beyond the therapeutic sessions.

These statistics emphasise the importance of factors such as continued communication, mutual support and possibly follow-up sessions to sustain the improvements gained during therapy and reduce the risk of future relationship breakdown.

How Long to Try Couples Therapy Before Considering Other Options

Couples therapy often shows progress when both partners stay committed and consistent in attending sessions, which can positively influence the divorce rate. Pay attention to signs of improvement or stagnation to decide on the next steps for your relationship’s future.

Average duration of therapy

Standard marriage therapy sessions usually last for one hour each week. Typically, couples continue therapy for three to twelve months based on the complexity of their issues.

For those addressing severe problems such as infidelity or chronic resentment, longer treatment durations may be necessary. A marriage counsellor often recommends consistent attendance to build communication skills and strengthen emotional connections over time.

Signs therapy is working

Most couples may observe smoother communication and a reduction in intense arguments. Partners often mention feeling more emotionally connected and being more open to expressing their thoughts.

A movement towards productive conflict resolution could signify progress in therapy.

Comments from both partners about enhanced emotional well-being can signify success, aligning with 90 per cent of couples noting improved emotions after completing therapy. Greater trust, improved understanding of each other’s needs and favourable changes in everyday interactions are clear indicators therapy is having a positive impact.

When to consider alternative solutions

If therapy does not show progress after the recommended number of sessions, it may be time to consider other options. Studies indicate that 65.6 per cent of couples resolve issues within 20 sessions, so continuing therapy beyond this point should result in observable changes.

A lack of dedication or unresolved conflicts can also indicate a need for alternative methods. Ongoing challenges with communication skills or emotional connection might require individual therapy or specialised approaches such as behaviour-focused therapies for more profound relationship improvement. Otherwise, couples may find themselves still struggling and potentially getting divorced despite their efforts in therapy.

Challenges and Obstacles in Couples Therapy

Marriages end for many reasons, and couples therapy can face hurdles, such as resistance to change or unrealistic goals set by partners. These obstacles often test the patience and commitment of individuals during the process.

Resistance to change

Resistance to change often arises during marriage counselling due to emotional overwhelm and fear of vulnerability. A person may hesitate to adopt new behaviours or communication styles, even when they recognise their current methods do not work.

This reluctance can undermine conflict resolution efforts and delay relationship improvement.

A lack of hope in couples therapy contributes significantly to resistance. If one or both parties feel uncertain about the process’s effectiveness, despair may set in, reducing commitment.

Open dialogue between the couple and therapist remains crucial for overcoming these barriers and fostering trust in cognitive behavioural therapies or other approaches used during sessions.

External stressors

External stressors such as financial pressures, chronic illness or job insecurity often strain relationships. Acute events like bereavement or sudden health issues exacerbate this tension.

These situations trigger emotional alienation and affect couples’ mental health.

Long-term exposure to external challenges can lead to physical health problems and emotional burnout. Chronic pain, traumatic experiences and substance abuse further complicate dynamics in marriages.

Adopting effective conflict resolution strategies during therapy helps address these issues constructively. Our marriage counselling services are available in multiple states, including South Australia, to ensure accessibility and localised support.

Unrealistic expectations

Unrealistic expectations in couples therapy can lead to frustration. Many partners expect quick fixes or immediate harmony, which is rarely achievable. Starting with a structured program, such as a course, can equip individuals with valuable skills and insights that may enhance the effectiveness of therapy. Couples often enter therapy hoping for complete resolution without working on personal accountability or behaviour changes.

High emotions and a lack of patience may escalate conflicts during sessions. Effective marriage counselling requires time, effort and commitment from both individuals. Therapy works best when both partners actively address their roles in the issues, rather than waiting for external solutions alone.

Tips for Making Couples Therapy Successful

Commit to the process, whether through in-person or online therapy, practise open dialogue and use the strategies provided by your therapist to strengthen your partnership.

Consistent participation

Consistent attendance in couples therapy boosts success rates significantly. Engaging actively in sessions helps build communication skills and strengthen emotional bonds. Partners who commit to regular therapy often report noticeable progress within a few weeks.

Regular participation enables therapists to identify patterns and address issues effectively. Skipping sessions can delay progress, disrupt continuity or reduce motivation. Staying consistent fosters trust, accountability and the steady development of conflict resolution techniques.

Open and honest communication

Open and honest communication strengthens relationships by fostering trust. Partners who share thoughts, emotions and concerns openly can address issues before they escalate. This approach promotes empathy, reduces misunderstandings and enhances conflict resolution skills.

Active participation from both partners ensures effective communication during couples therapy. Sharing feelings without fear encourages mutual respect and cooperation. These habits build a foundation for lasting emotional connections while improving relationship dynamics over time. Research findings, particularly from neuroscience, support these practices by providing essential insights into effective therapeutic approaches, though the body of evidence is still developing and requires careful interpretation.

Following through on assignments

Completing assignments in couples therapy strengthens relationship improvement. Applying learned strategies outside sessions fosters meaningful change and builds trust between partners.

Regular participation ensures both individuals stay committed to achieving their shared goals.

Discussing progress on tasks during therapy maintains accountability. It helps identify challenges and adjust strategies for communication skills, conflict resolution or emotional connection.

This consistent effort promotes long-term success in marriage counselling or couples therapy, reducing the likelihood that the relationship will end in divorce.

The Role of the Therapist in Couples Therapy

Therapists guide couples through open discussions to address relationship challenges. They provide strategies to build trust and improve interactions in meaningful ways.

Facilitator of dialogue

Counselling with a couple therapist serves as a neutral mediator, fostering open dialogue between partners. They help individuals express concerns without blame and guide discussions to promote understanding.

By facilitating communication, they bridge gaps in perceptions and encourage empathy.

The process focuses on rebuilding trust and improving communication skills. Couples can address conflicts more effectively by exploring root causes together. This approach supports healthier interactions while setting the foundation for long-term relationship improvement.

Neutral mediator

Neutral mediators assist couples in resolving challenges without focusing on past psychological issues. They aim to improve present dynamics by offering practical strategies specific to the couple’s needs.

This approach often helps maintain focus on solutions rather than blame, making it more effective for some relationships compared to traditional marital counselling.

Mediators create a safe space for communication, fostering understanding and conflict resolution skills essential for long-term improvement. By addressing specific obstacles with unbiased guidance, they can encourage both partners to work collaboratively on shared goals.

This method supports relationship improvement and reduces the need for exploring historical grievances that may hinder progress.

Provider of coping tools

Therapists equip couples with practical tools to handle conflicts and enhance interactions. Techniques such as active listening, empathic communication and mindfulness practices assist partners in responding constructively during challenges.

Couples therapy incorporates conflict resolution methods customised to suit individual relationship goals. These approaches promote healthy dialogue while addressing underlying emotional or behavioural patterns connected to anxiety disorders or other psychological issues.

Post-Therapy Maintenance

Strong relationships require ongoing effort and commitment after therapy, especially for couples living in the Melbourne area. Couples can build lasting connections by applying the strategies learned in sessions.

Continuing healthy communication

Women practising gratitude daily strengthens bonds and increases relationship satisfaction. Couples who focus on positives feel more connected and improve their communication skills over time.

Setting aside moments free from distractions helps create meaningful conversations.

Quality time, such as shared activities or calm discussions, deepens emotional connection. Using tools learned in therapy ensures conflicts are addressed respectfully, promoting long-term understanding in the relationship.

Ongoing check-ins

Individual sessions and ongoing check-ins help couples sustain progress made during marriage counselling. These sessions allow partners to address new challenges and refine their conflict resolution skills.

By reinforcing communication techniques learned in therapy, couples maintain stronger emotional connections over time.

Regular follow-ups provide a space for revisiting relationship goals or adjusting them as needed. They also help identify small issues before they escalate into bigger conflicts. Consistent participation in these check-ins ensures the benefits of couple therapies remain long-lasting and effective.

Utilising tools learned in therapy

Couples can utilise communication skills learned in the therapeutic process of marriage counselling to address potential conflicts early. Practising gratitude daily helps partners focus on positive aspects of their relationship, strengthening emotional bonds and reducing stress.

Relationship therapy exercises encourage healthy habits over time. Regular check-ins and applying conflict resolution techniques sustain improvements made during sessions, promoting lasting change in the partnership.

Conclusion

Marriage counselling work offers a significant chance for relationship improvement. With success rates nearing 70 per cent, many find hope in its proven methods. Skilled therapists help partners rebuild trust, communicate effectively and strengthen bonds.

At Energetics Institute, we aim to equip couples with lasting tools for growth and connection. Therapy can be the turning point in saving relationships.