Online Relationship Therapy: How It Works & What to Consider
Anyone who’s been in a relationship knows it’s a journey filled with highs and lows. At times, it’s blissful and fulfilling, while other times, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. Whether it’s miscommunication, a lack of trust, or simply growing apart over time, every relationship hits rough patches.
It’s like the characters in my favourite TV show, This Is Us (go watch it if you haven’t already!). The relationships are beautifully messy and real. You see deep love, painful missteps, and the hard work it takes to grow together. It’s a reminder that even the strongest bonds need support at times.
Just like we invest in our health or careers, relationships thrive best with care, attention, and support. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a pattern of repeating arguments, struggled to find the right words during difficult conversations, or experienced a shift in your connection, you’re not alone. Many couples go through these same moments, and seeking support is often the first step toward reconnecting and rebuilding.
That’s where online relationship counselling comes in – offering couples a modern, flexible solution to strengthen their bond, improve communication, and tackle life’s challenges together. With the convenience of meeting from home or anywhere private, you can access the support you need without the hassle of in-person appointments. But how does online relationship counselling work? And how can you decide if it’s the right fit for your relationship?
In this two-part blog we’ll unpack how it all works, and whether online marriage counselling is for you. Let’s get started!
What Is Online Relationship Counselling?
Online relationship counselling is much like traditional in-person therapy, but it takes place over a secure video platform such as Zoom or Coviu. Couples meet with a registered psychologist or couples therapist to explore patterns in their relationship, discuss challenges they are experiencing, and set goals for change.
Sessions may involve the therapist facilitating conversations, or providing practical tools for communication, conflict resolution strategies, and even between-session exercises. Some couples therapists work with both partners together throughout, while others may include occasional individual sessions. The focus, however, always remains on the relationship, even in one-to-one sessions with a couples therapist.
This flexible format allows couples to connect from anywhere that feels private and safe—whether it’s your kitchen table, home office, or couch.
New to couples therapy? Learn more in our Couples Therapy blog.
Why Choose Online Couples Counselling?
There are several reasons why couples choose to work with a therapist online, including convenience, and increased comfort from being in a familiar environment. Check out Part Two for a comparison of pros and cons!
What to Expect in an Online Couples Therapy Session
Each therapist has their own style, but most online sessions follow a familiar structure.
Your first session typically focuses on getting to know your relationship story, current challenges, and your goals. From there, your couples therapist may help you explore:
- Communication skills and conflict patterns
- Emotional needs and attachment styles
- The impact of life transitions (e.g., parenting, job changes, or health issues)
- Ways to rebuild trust, connection, or intimacy
A skilled therapist will help both partners feel supported and heard, without taking sides. Sessions usually last around 50 minutes. You’ll need a quiet, private space, a stable internet connection, and a camera-enabled device.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
In many cases, yes—online couples therapy can be just as effective as in-person work, particularly when both partners actively engage and the couples therapist is skilled in the online format.
Research (for example, this study) and clinical experience both show that online sessions can deliver comparable improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication and conflict resolution.
Things to Consider Before Starting Online Sessions
Thinking about booking your first session? There are some important safety concerns to consider before diving into online couples therapy, and other factors that will help determine the success of online relationship counselling.
Consider Safety If your relationship involves domestic or family violence, emotional abuse, or coercive control, joint online sessions may not be appropriate. In these cases, individual support and/or in-person safety planning is essential.
Are you aware of domestic or family violence services available if you need support?
Reach out to Safe Steps, 1800Respect or Orange Door if you are unsure if your relationship is safe or if you need specialist support.
Choose the Right Therapist Look for someone who is specifically trained in couples therapy and has experience working online. A strong therapeutic fit is key – don’t hesitate to ask questions during a consultation.
Create a Private Space Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be interrupted. If you have children, consider scheduling sessions when they’re asleep or cared for by someone else.
Check Your Technology Make sure your internet connection is reliable, your device is fully charged, and the video platform is working smoothly. A quick trial run can be helpful.
Talk About Your Goals Before your first session, have a conversation about what each of you hopes to gain. Whether it’s resolving conflict, improving communication, or deepening connection, clarity on your goals helps your therapist tailor the process.
In Summary
Relationships require care, and it’s completely okay to seek support when things feel tough.
Online relationship counselling offers a flexible, accessible, and effective way to nurture your connection, especially when time, location, or logistics make in-person sessions difficult.
More importantly, couples therapy provides a safe space where all parties can feel heard, understood, and supported in working through challenges together.
If you’re still not sure, you can join me in Part Two of this blog, where I’ll explore pros and cons of online relationship therapy compared to face to face therapy.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Reach out to our lovely admin team to book an online relationship counselling session with one of our couples therapists at Peaceful Mind Psychology.