How effective is couples therapy?
Every relationship starts with a spark, laughter, and shared dreams. But as time passes, life can get louder. Work deadlines pile up, small misunderstandings grow bigger, and the connection that once felt effortless can start to feel fragile.
When two hearts drift apart, it doesn’t always mean love is gone. Sometimes, it just needs guidance to find its way back.
Couples therapy can be that gentle map back to understanding and care.
A nationwide survey conducted by Katholischen Hochschule Freiburg, Germany, revealed that half of all couples in the country are doing significantly better after couples therapy.
How much does couples therapy cost?
60 to 90-minute sessions with private therapists cost between 90€ and 200€. The number of sessions required depends on the nature and the depth of the conflict.
You can also seek help from organizations like Diakonie or Pro Familia. They have qualified, experienced couple therapists and offer quicker appointments.
You can get free initial consultations at Diakonie or Pro Familia. And the session fees depend on your income (ranging from 1% to 2%). This makes them more affordable than private therapists.
Does health insurance cover the costs?
No, neither statutory nor private health insurance companies cover the costs of couples therapy.
Health insurance companies only cover the costs of psychotherapy to treat a mental illness.
Suppose the relationship problems arise due to mental illness (such as depression). In this case, the affected partner can start psychotherapy. Usually, the other partner is also involved in these sessions.
What should you look for when choosing a therapist?
You should check whether your therapist holds the certificates from the following professional associations:
- German Society for Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Depth Psychology
- German Society for Systemic Therapy, Counseling and Family Therapy
- German Society for Behavioral Therapy
- German Society for Emotion-Focused Therapy
Preventive care programs for couples
As per experts, couples can also benefit from preventive measures, especially communication training. Here are some courses you can join.
- Ein partnerschaftliches Lernprogramm (EPL)
- Konstruktive Ehe und Kommunikation (KEK)
- Hold Me Tight seminar from Canada
- Couple Life workshops from the University of Zurich
You pay for these courses yourself. These programs can help you with communication and understanding different perspectives.
Can you deduct couples therapy costs from taxes?
No, you cannot deduct couples therapy costs from taxes.
However, suppose the therapy was in the context of mental illness. In this case, you should consult a tax advisor to assess your situation and check if you can deduct the costs.
Source: test.de
