The fields of couples counseling and marital therapy have been growing due to the large number of couples seeking assistance with relationship problems. Typically, this type of therapy is most effective when the couple is seen together, so that they may focus on clarifying and improving their interactions and relationships.

Couples counseling includes a wide range of concepts and procedures. Most therapists emphasize mutual need gratification, social role expectations, and communication patterns. A healthy relationship usually involves more open communication and more sensitivity to each other's feelings and needs, so the focus of counseling will include these issues.