Couples Therapy in Frankfurt — in English
Couples therapy in Frankfurt, conducted entirely in English: at our private practice in the city centre, we support couples who want to understand what has gone wrong between them — and what can change. As licensed psychological psychotherapists, we work in a structured, evidence-based way, without taking sides and without empty relationship advice.
When couples therapy can help
Most couples do not come to therapy because of one big event. They come because something has shifted gradually: conversations turn into the same argument again and again, closeness has faded, or you live side by side rather than with each other. Typical reasons our patients seek couples counselling include:
- Recurring conflicts and escalating arguments
- Communication that has broken down — or gone silent
- Loss of trust, jealousy or an affair
- Distance, lack of intimacy or different needs for closeness
- Ongoing stress from work, family or illness affecting the relationship
- The question of whether to stay together at all
Couples therapy is not only for relationships in crisis. Some couples come early, when they notice patterns they do not want to harden — that is often when change is easiest.
How we work
Our approach is based on behavioural couples therapy, complemented by schema therapy. In practice, this means we first look closely at the pattern: What actually happens between you when a conflict starts? Who does what — and what does each of you feel underneath the reaction that the other one sees?
Schema therapy adds a second layer: many recurring couple conflicts are fuelled by older emotional patterns that each partner brings into the relationship. Understanding these patterns often changes the tone of a conflict more than any communication technique.
From there, we agree on concrete goals and work on them step by step. You will not just talk about your relationship — you will practise doing things differently, in the sessions and between them.
Couples therapy for international and intercultural couples
Frankfurt is an international city, and so are many of the couples we see. When partners have different native languages, sessions in English often create a level playing field: both can express themselves in a shared language rather than one partner always arguing “at home” and the other “away”. We are also familiar with the specific strains international couples face — relocation for one partner’s career, distance from family, cultural differences in how conflict, money or parenting are handled.
If one partner prefers German, sessions can flexibly combine both languages.
Online couples counselling
Sessions can take place at our practice on Neue Kräme in Frankfurt’s city centre or online — helpful when work schedules or travel make regular joint appointments difficult. Many couples combine both formats.
Frequently asked questions
Does health insurance cover couples therapy?
As a rule, no. Couples therapy is not the treatment of an illness and is therefore generally not reimbursed by German health insurers — regardless of the practice you choose. Sessions are self-funded; you will find our rates on the → [Fees & Insurance] page.
What if my partner is sceptical about therapy?
That is common — and not a barrier. It is enough if both of you are willing to attend a first session. Scepticism can be spoken about openly there; nobody has to “believe in therapy” for it to be useful.
Do we have to be married — or in a crisis?
Neither. We work with married and unmarried couples, at every stage of a relationship. Coming early, before patterns harden, is often the most effective time.
Can couples therapy end in separation?
Honest answer: sometimes couples discover in therapy that separating is the right step. If that happens, therapy helps you separate in a considered, respectful way — which matters especially when children are involved. Our role is not to keep you together at any cost, but to help you find clarity.
How long does couples therapy take?
There is no fixed programme. After the first one or two sessions, we can usually give you a realistic estimate for your situation.