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What Is Relationship Therapy For? A Therapist’s Perspective

  • Writer: Marie-Lou Steul
    Marie-Lou Steul
  • Feb 20, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 25, 2025


Couple lying in bed and connecting, representing themes of relationship therapy

As a psychosexual and relationship therapist, I often hear people ask, “Is therapy only for couples who are struggling?” The short answer is no! Relationship therapy isn’t just for those on the verge of breaking up—it’s a space for deepening connection, improving communication, and navigating challenges in both emotional and sexual intimacy.


What I do goes beyond traditional couples counselling. I work with people in all kinds of relationships, from monogamous couples to polyamorous networks, open relationships, and other alternative dynamics. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore not just your emotions but also your sexual wellbeing—because let’s be honest, intimacy is about more than just talking.


Helping You Navigate Emotional and Sexual Challenges


I take a psychosexual approach to relationship therapy, which means I look at the emotional and psychological aspects of your relationship alongside your sexual connection. People often come to me feeling disconnected from their partner(s), struggling with mismatched libidos, or dealing with past experiences that are impacting their current intimacy. Sometimes, it’s about rediscovering desire. Other times, it’s about unpacking shame or anxiety around sex.


If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. These are common challenges, and they don’t mean your relationship is failing. In therapy, we work together to understand what’s happening, break down unhelpful patterns, and find ways to rebuild connection—emotionally, physically, and sexually.


Therapy Isn’t Just for ‘Traditional’ Couples


Many people assume relationship therapy is only for monogamous, heterosexual couples. That’s not the case. I work with people in ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, BDSM dynamics, and other alternative structures. These relationships come with their own unique joys and challenges—whether it’s managing jealousy, navigating boundaries, or ensuring that all partners feel heard and valued.


For example, if you’re in a polyamorous relationship, you might need support balancing time and emotional investment across multiple partners. If you’re in a kink-based dynamic, therapy can be a space to explore consent, communication, and emotional safety. Whatever your relationship looks like, I want you to feel safe and respected in the therapy room.


Creating a Judgment-Free Zone


One of the most important things to know about relationship therapy is that it’s a judgment-free space. You don’t need to fit into any specific mould to seek support. My job isn’t to tell you what your relationship “should” look like—it’s to help you find what works best for you.


So whether you’re struggling with intimacy, working through trust issues, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, therapy can offer the tools and insights to help. Relationships—of all kinds—require care, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

 
 
 

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