We are a group of experienced couples counselors in New York City, combining advanced training in research-backed couples therapy models with a compassionate, collaborative approach. We work closely with you to identify areas for growth, set meaningful goals, and develop a personalized plan to help heal and strengthen your relationship.
Whether you’re dating, seeking premarital therapy, or marriage counseling in NYC, our experienced therapists are here to help. Throughout this page we have also linked to couples therapy resources, including articles on relationships from our blog and worksheets we’ve created, that you might find helpful as you explore options for couples therapy.
Why We’re the Top Choice for Couples Therapy, Premarital Counseling, and Marriage Counseling in NYC
When your relationship is struggling, you want to find the best couples therapist to help. But, with so many relationship counselors in NYC, finding the right fit is crucial.
Holding Hope MFT is a group practice of highly experienced couples therapists in New York City. Our team consists solely of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, who undergo extensive training specifically focused on relationship dynamics. Every therapist at our practice has extensive experience working with couples at every relationship stage, from dating to premarital counseling to marriage therapy.
What Sets Us Apart?
We stand out from other couples therapy practices in NYC in several key ways. Our unique blend of specialized training, collaborative approach, and commitment to advanced training and excellence ensures that you receive the highest quality care.
- LMFT Expertise: Every couples therapist at our practice is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), specializing in premarital counseling, marriage counseling, and relationship therapy in NYC for couples at all stages. Our unique training equips us to understand the complexities of relationships, family systems, and the root causes of conflict, helping you foster deeper connection and lasting love.
- Advanced Certifications: Many of our therapists hold additional certifications in areas like sex therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and specific therapeutic models (see Our Approach below). This translates to a wider range of tools to address your unique needs.
- The Power of Collaboration: When you work with one of our LMFTs, you gain access to our entire team’s collective wisdom. We consult regularly, sharing insights and strategies to ensure your treatment plan is consistently refined and tailored to your relationship’s specific needs and progress.
Evidence-Based Approach to Couples Therapy
We believe in the power of therapy models that are grounded in scientific research and have proven track records of success. Here’s a closer look at the primary frameworks that guide our work:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy: EFT is a type of therapy that helps couples identify and understand the negative cycle that is driving their conflict. Studies over the past 20+ years have consistently shown that couples who receive EFT are much more likely to experience significant improvements in their relationship satisfaction than those who do not.
- Internal Family Systems Therapy: IFS helps individuals (and by extension, couples) develop better self-awareness and compassion. By understanding your own internal “parts”, you can communicate more effectively, and relate to your partner with less reactivity and greater understanding.
- Attachment-Based Models: We draw on attachment theory to understand how your earliest bonds and experiences influence your current relationship patterns. By exploring your attachment style, we can help you create a more secure and supportive dynamic with your partner.
- Sex Therapy: Our AASECT Certified Sex Therapists provide specialized support for couples facing intimacy challenges or sexual concerns. We address these issues within a holistic, non-judgmental, and affirming framework.
Our NYC Couples Counselors Stay Ahead of the Curve
The field of couples therapy is constantly evolving. Our couples therapists participate in ongoing training and professional development in NYC every year, ensuring we have the expertise to offer the best, research-backed couples counseling to every client.
Whether you’re seeking premarital counseling to build a strong foundation, couples therapy to build intimacy or work through relationship conflict, or marriage counseling to address existing challenges, your therapist will work with you to customize your treatment plan to make sure your relationship’s unique needs are addressed.
In-Person and Virtual Couples Therapy in NYC
Holding Hope MFT offers flexible options to ensure you get the care you need, in the format that suits you best:
- In-Person Couples Therapy in Midtown Manhattan: Connect face-to-face with our experienced couples therapists for premarital counseling, marriage counseling, or general couples therapy at our Midtown Manhattan office located at 6 E. 39th Street, Suite 8S.
- Virtual Couples Therapy: We offer virtual couples therapy in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Whether you’re seeking premarital counseling, marriage counseling, or ongoing couples therapy, our virtual sessions provide the same level of care and expertise from the comfort of your own home.
What to Expect from Relationship Counseling in NYC with Holding Hope MFT
Beginning couples therapy is a courageous step. It’s normal to feel a mix of nervousness, skepticism, and hope. At Holding Hope MFT, we’ll meet you with compassion and support, creating a safe space without judgment.
Your couples therapist will facilitate open conversations, ensuring both of you feel heard and understood. While there may be moments of discomfort as you explore challenging topics, we’ll guide you through with care. Our role is not to take sides but to support the health of your relationship.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes, and we recommend starting with weekly appointments for optimal momentum. Between sessions, you’ll have couples therapy worksheets and exercises to practice at home, reinforcing the work done together. We’ll collaborate with you to set clear goals, tailoring therapy to your specific needs. Like building strength at the gym, the more you invest in therapy, the greater the rewards.
As you progress in couples therapy, you can expect to feel more:
- Attuned: Gain deeper insight into your own and your partner’s needs, fostering greater empathy and understanding.
- Supported: Navigate conflict with confidence, knowing you can turn to each other for support and comfort.
- Hopeful: Develop new relationship skills and a shared vision, creating a roadmap to face life’s challenges together.
The journey of relationship counseling may have its ups and downs, but we believe every couple has the potential for a strong, loving bond. By choosing Holding Hope MFT, you’re taking a powerful step towards creating the fulfilling partnership you deserve.
Relationship Challenges Our NYC Couples Counselors Help With
It’s normal for relationships to hit rough patches. Maybe you’re caught in a negative cycle of arguments, struggling with intimacy issues, or feel like you’re drifting apart emotionally. Perhaps a betrayal has broken the foundation of trust, or a major life change has thrown everything you thought you knew off-balance.
If you’re longing for deeper connection and a way forward, couples therapy can be a lifeline. Here are some of the most common relationship challenges couples counseling in NYC may benefit:
- Communication difficulties: Struggling to express your needs and feelings effectively or feeling unheard by your partner.
- Decreased emotional connection: Feeling less close or emotionally invested in the relationship.
- Reduced physical intimacy: Experiencing a decline in physical affection, affection, or sexual activity.
- Loss of trust: A past betrayal or broken promise has shaken your confidence in the relationship.
- Life transitions: Adjusting to parenthood, empty nesting, retirement, or other significant changes impacting your dynamic.
- Past traumas: Past hurts or unresolved issues from previous relationships are affecting your current connection.
- Blended families: Navigating the complexities of step-parenting and co-parenting presents unique challenges.
- Coping with external stressors: Chronic illness, mental health issues, or substance abuse can create significant strain on any relationship.
- Relationship boundaries: Struggling to establish or maintain healthy boundaries in your relationship , leading to feelings of resentment, frustration, or loss of individual identity.
- Unmet expectations: Misaligned or unrealistic expectations about roles, responsibilities, or the future of the relationship can lead to disappointment and conflict.
- Premarital or marriage issues: Couples preparing for marriage or seeking to strengthen their existing marriage can benefit from specialized premarital counseling or marriage counseling in NYC tailored to the unique challenges of these specific relationship stages.
No matter your specific situation, we offer a safe and supportive environment to explore these challenges openly and honestly. Our relationship counselors will work with you to develop healthier communication patterns, rebuild trust, and create a more fulfilling partnership.
FAQ About NYC Couples Counseling
+ Do you offer virtual or in-person couples therapy in NYC?
We offer both in-person couples therapy in Midtown Manhattan and virtual couples therapy to all residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. You can expect the same level of excellent care for both in-person and online couples counseling services in NYC.
+ Where can I find your fees & insurance information for couples therapy?
You can find detailed information on the cost of couples counseling in NYC on our fees & insurance page.
+ What can I do if my partner is hesitant about couples therapy?
It's common for one partner to be more open to couples counseling than the other. Express your desire to improve your relationship and explain how working with a skilled couples therapist in NYC can help you both build a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Offer to schedule a consultation together to discuss any concerns and learn more about how couples therapy can benefit your relationship.
+ How should we prepare for our first couples therapy session?
While no specific preparation is required, it can be helpful to reflect on your overall relationship goals, goals for couples therapy, and any specific challenges you'd like to address. For inspiration, check out our guide with 150+ marriage counseling questions - most of which apply to couples at any relationship stage - that cover typical questions your couples therapist might ask, as well as questions you may want to discuss with them or with each other during the course of therapy. If these conversations are charged or tend to create conflict, don't worry about discussing them in advance. It may be better to wait until you start therapy, when your couples therapist can help guide you through the process and facilitate these difficult discussions.
+ What happens in the first couples therapy session?
Your first couples therapy session is dedicated to getting to know you and your partner and lays the foundation for a personalized therapy plan. Your couples therapist will ask questions to understand your relationship's unique strengths, challenges, and goals. This creates a safe space to share your experiences and perspectives openly.
+ How do I know if my couples therapist is a good fit?
A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for effective couples therapy. A good fit means feeling heard, understood, and supported by your relationship counselor. You and your partner should both feel comfortable sharing openly and honestly with your therapist. If you have concerns about the fit, discuss them with your couples therapist or reach out to us for assistance in finding the right match.
+ When will we see improvements in our relationship with couples therapy?
Every couple's journey is unique, and the pace of progress can vary. Some couples report positive changes after just a few sessions, while others may require more time to work through complex issues. Your commitment to the therapy process and practicing new skills between sessions can accelerate your growth. Your NYC couples therapist will help you set realistic goals and celebrate milestones along the way.
+ Do you offer at-home exercises and worksheets for couples?
Yes, our couples therapists often recommend different exercises, activities and worksheets for couples therapy to help you practice new communication skills, build emotional intimacy, and strengthen your bond between sessions. These exercises are tailored to your specific needs and goals, and your therapist will guide you in implementing them effectively. Consistent practice and integration of new skills into your daily life can greatly enhance the impact of couples therapy.
+ How long does couples therapy usually last?
The duration of couples therapy depends on several factors, including the complexity of your concerns, your goals, and your progress over time. Some couples may find that a few months of weekly sessions are sufficient to see significant improvements, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Your relationship counselor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and will adjust the frequency and duration of sessions as you progress.
Ready for a Stronger Relationship? Connect with an Expert Couples Therapist in NYC
If you’re committed to working on your relationship, we’re here to help. Start with a free 20-minute phone consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine if Holding Hope MFT is the right fit for your needs.
How to Get Started
You can reach us in any of the following ways:
- Book a free 20-mintue phone consultation online – Book Online
- Fill out the contact form below or head to our contact page to send us a message or question
- Email us at connect@holdinghopemft.com. We’ll respond within one business day (usually within a couple hours during normal business hours)
- Call us at (917) 740-7199
For information about fees for virtual couples therapy in NYC or in-person couples therapy at our Midtown Manhattan office, head to our Fees & Insurance page.
We understand that reaching out for help takes courage. Prioritizing your relationship in the bustle of NYC is a powerful choice. Holding Hope MFT is honored to support you in your journey. We look forward to hearing from you!