Methodical work with qualified therapists — online or in person.
Couples therapy is methodical work on recurring relationship patterns — over a series of sessions, with established therapeutic methods. It differs from couples counseling in depth and process duration: counseling is clarification-oriented and often shorter; therapy takes time to understand dynamics and build sustainable change step by step.
besser:lieben is a referral platform — we verify qualifications and connect you with a suitable therapist. The actual therapy happens with the therapist of your choice. Couples therapy does not replace psychotherapy. For acute mental illness or crisis, medical-psychotherapeutic treatment is the right path.
These counselors are part of the besser:lieben matching network.
Counseling fits when you want to clarify a specific question, make a decision or have brief, focused support through a difficult phase. Therapy fits when conflicts repeat, old wounds keep playing in or one event needs longer reflection. Both are serious — the difference is methodical depth and the number of sessions.
Several well-researched approaches have proved effective: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), systemic couples therapy, and integrative systemic couples therapy. Which one suits depends on your concern and the therapist.
A typical course runs 8–20 sessions, usually 60–90 minutes each, spaced out over weeks. Deeper themes — attachment patterns, accumulated injuries, prior relationships — may take longer. You agree on the frame at the beginning.
Psychotherapy treats mental illnesses with disease value (e.g. depression, anxiety) and is a medically authorised treatment. Couples therapy is not a healing treatment — it works on relationship dynamics. If one person is mainly affected by mental illness, individual psychotherapy is the right path; couples therapy can complement it.
At least 500 units of foundational counseling or therapy training — documented and verifiable.
A certified specialisation in the specific area (couples, sex, family, trauma) — typically at least 100 units of continuing education.
Serious counselors accept supervision from senior colleagues and intervision with peers — to keep their practice reflective and up to date.
Regular attendance of conferences and courses to stay current with research and methods.
Clearly stated qualifications, transparent fees, no healing promises, no high-pressure sales.
Connection to specialised colleagues — referral if a different focus would serve you better.
We refer only therapists with verified qualifications:
We make no healing promises. Couples therapy does not replace psychotherapy. besser:lieben is not a crisis service — in acute emergencies please contact local emergency services.
Looking for shorter, clarification-oriented work? Couples counseling may be the better starting point.
Start the consultation flow and find suitable counselors.
