Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
A direct, active approach developed by Terry Real that names each partner's part in the couple's pattern and teaches relational skills.
Couples therapy methods, explained
Neutral overviews of four well-known approaches, each linked to the organization that trains therapists in it. A method is one factor; the therapist's skill and how both of you feel in the room matter as much.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
A structured, research-based approach by Drs. John and Julie Gottman built around assessment and the Sound Relationship House.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
An attachment-based approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson that helps partners step out of negative cycles and build emotional safety.
Imago Relationship Therapy
An approach by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt that uses a structured dialogue to turn conflict into understanding.
At a glance
| Method | Main focus | How it usually starts | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relational Life Therapy | Each partner's part in the pattern; direct, active therapist; relational skills | Diagnosing the couple's pattern and each partner's history | relationallife.com |
| Gottman Method | Friendship, conflict management, shared meaning (Sound Relationship House) | Joint session, individual interviews, questionnaires, feedback | gottman.com |
| Emotionally Focused Therapy | Attachment, emotional safety, stepping out of the negative cycle | Mapping the cycle and the emotions beneath it | iceeft.com |
| Imago Relationship Therapy | Structured dialogue: mirroring, validation, empathy | Learning and practicing the Imago Dialogue | imagorelationships.org |
All methods and trainings you can filter by
Profiles show each method with the therapist's training level. A level is marked verified only when we found the therapist on that method's official directory, with the date we checked; otherwise it shows as self-reported. Verification is free for every therapist.
| Method or training | Type | Training levels shown on profiles |
|---|---|---|
| Relational Life Therapy (RLT) | Couples method | RLT Certified Couples Therapist; RLT Certified Couples Therapist +; RLT Certified Couples Therapist ++ (Advanced Certification); RLT trained (self-study, not certified) |
| Gottman Method Couples Therapy | Couples method | Level 1 trained; Level 2 trained; Level 3 trained; Certified Gottman Therapist; Certified Gottman Trainer / Consultant |
| Gottman: Treating Affairs and Trauma | Advanced training | Completed Treating Affairs and Trauma |
| Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT / EFCT for couples) | Couples method | Externship completed; Externship + Core Skills; ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist (EFCT); Supervisor Candidate / Supervisor-in-Training; ICEEFT Certified EFT Supervisor; ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer |
| Hold Me Tight program (EFT-based) | Program or workshop | Hold Me Tight facilitator / presenter |
| Imago Relationship Therapy | Couples method | Imago clinical training (Level 1); Certified Imago Relationship Therapist; Advanced Imago Therapist / Advanced Clinician; Certified Imago Clinical Supervisor; Certified Imago Workshop Presenter |
| PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) | Couples method | PACT Level 1 trained; PACT Level 2 trained; PACT Level 3 trained; PACT Certified |
| Developmental Model of Couples Therapy (Bader-Pearson) | Couples method | Developmental Model Level 1; Advanced Training (Level 2); Mentor Program |
| Discernment Counseling (Doherty) | Couples method | Trained in Discernment Counseling; Certified Discernment Counselor; Discernment Counseling Master Practitioner / Fellow |
| Internal Family Systems (IFS) | Approach | IFS Level 1 trained; IFS Level 2 trained; IFS Level 3 trained; Certified IFS Therapist |
| Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) | Couples method | IFIO Basic Training (an IFS Level 2 program); IFIO advanced training |
| Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) | Couples method | IBCT trained; IBCT certified |
| Pragmatic/Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C) | Couples method | PET-C trained; PET-C certified |
| Sex therapy (AASECT Certified Sex Therapist) | Credential | AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST); AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor (CST-S); Trained in sex therapy (not AASECT-certified) |
| Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT, IITAP) | Credential | CSAT; CSAT Supervisor |
| PREPARE/ENRICH | Program or workshop | Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator |
| SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) | Program or workshop | Certified SYMBIS Facilitator |
| Gottman psychoeducation programs (Seven Principles, Bringing Baby Home, Art and Science of Love) | Program or workshop | Seven Principles Program Educator; Bringing Baby Home Educator |
| PREP / Within Our Reach | Program or workshop | PREP instructor |
| AAMFT Clinical Fellow / Approved Supervisor | Professional membership | AAMFT Clinical Fellow; AAMFT Approved Supervisor |
Many therapists draw on more than one approach. Ask any therapist to describe their approach in plain words; see our consultation call questions.
Disclosure: MarriageCounseling.io's owner is also CEO of the Relational Life Institute, which trains therapists in RLT. See About.