Anchor Health Counseling

Dr. Brad Saks challenges the common misconception that couples therapy is only for relationships in crisis. In reality, couples counseling is a powerful tool for building stronger, more connected partnerships, at any stage. Whether you’re facing ongoing conflict or simply want to grow closer, therapy can help you improve communication, build empathy, and navigate life’s challenges together.

Why Couples Counseling Isn’t Just for “Broken” Relationships

When most people think of couples counseling, they picture a last-ditch effort to try when things are falling apart. But that’s far from the full picture. At its best, couples therapy isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient relationship. Whether you’re navigating conflict, preparing for a big life change, or simply want to grow together, couples counseling can offer tools to deepen your bond.

The Truth About Why Couples Wait Too Long

Research shows that couples wait an average of six years after problems begin to seek help. By the time they walk into therapy, many partners are stuck in cycles of miscommunication, resentment, or emotional distance. But it doesn’t have to get to that point.

Think of therapy like going to the gym for your relationship. You don’t wait until your muscles completely give out to start strength training. You go to stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Couples counseling works the same way.

What Actually Happens in Couples Counseling

Couples therapy isn’t about taking sides or deciding who’s “right.” A good couples therapist helps both partners:

Learn how to communicate in a way that actually works
Understand the emotional needs behind recurring arguments
Build empathy, even when it’s hard
Repair trust and reconnect when life gets busy or distant

Sessions are structured and collaborative. You and your partner work together to identify patterns, unpack emotions, and learn tools that make real life feel easier.

You Don’t Need a Crisis to Start

Couples who commit to therapy are investing in their relationship. They want to:

Improve intimacy and connection
Navigate parenting challenges as a team
Communicate more openly and with less defensiveness
Build shared goals and values for the future

In other words, they’re working on the relationship, not just in it.

When to Reach Out and What to Expect

If you’re reading this, it’s probably already a good time to start. Couples often wait for a “perfect time,” but the truth is, there’s no better time to work on your relationship than now.

At Anchor Health, we offer supportive, nonjudgmental therapy for couples at any stage. Whether you’re newly dating, long-time partners, or somewhere in between, our licensed therapists will help you find clarity, connection, and new ways to move forward together.