The Purpose of Couples Counseling and Couples Therapy

Couples counseling and couples therapy is a journey to understanding both yourself and your partner. It helps you recognize your own patterns, understand your partner, and notice the ways you interact. In this process, you learn healthier ways of relating that can heal old wounds and pave the way for a fulfilling relationship.

I use a developmental model approach when analyzing relationships. This method is based on the work of Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Pete Pearson and it focuses on emotional development and personal growth. My goal is to initiate lasting, meaningful change.

Réka Török

How I Can Support You

Life is a process of growth and change, and few relationships shape us as deeply as our partnership. When couples are equipped with the right skills, they can grow both together and individually. A skilled couples counselor can make a lasting difference. I’m here to support you in developing the emotional tools to better handle conflict and take your relationship to the next level.

Couples Intensives

A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of your relationship history and dynamics, including conflict patterns. Together, we’ll develop a clear vision for your relationship and define individual goals that pave the way to your ideal partnership. Experience shows that intensive sessions can jump-start change faster and more effectively than weekly meetings, helping you elevate your relationship to the next level.

The intensive couples therapy session covers the following:

  • 5-hour intensive session (in-person at my practice or via Teams)
  • 2x150 minutes
  • with a short break

Follow-Up Session After Couples Intensives

I recommend scheduling at least one follow-up session about 4 weeks after an intensive session. This helps solidify the changes initiated and allows us to define any further steps if needed.

The follow-up session includes the following:

  • 2-hour follow-up session
  • 2x60 minutes

Individual Session

An individual session is available at any time, whether you attend as part of a couple or on your own. It’s ideal for discussing relationship-related topics to gain clarity, or for exploring whether couples counseling might be right for you.

The individual session includes the following:

  • 1-hour individual session
  • 1x60 minutes

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

I’m here to support you with relationship-related challenges. Please feel free to reach out using the contact form.

  • 1. First Contact via the Contact Form

    Please complete the contact form with all relevant information. I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you already know which type of counseling suits you (intensive counseling or individual session), please indicate that in the form.

  • 2. Response

    I will get back to you as soon as possible with a proposed appointment for a brief introductory meeting via Teams.

  • 3. Brief Introductory Meeting via Teams/Video Call

    A short meeting via Teams to clarify the framework for a potential collaboration.

  • 4. Appointment Scheduling

    The initial appointment is booked and paid for in advance. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive a questionnaire about your relationship history. Kindly complete the questionnaire and email it to me at least two weeks before our appointment.

    The regular lead time for appointment bookings is approximately 2-4 weeks. Individual appointments can also be arranged at short notice if required.

    You may cancel a paid appointment via email up to 48 hours in advance and reschedule. Rescheduling is allowed only once. If a new appointment isn’t arranged within four weeks, the booking will expire.

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you get in touch, please take a moment to read through the questions.

Can I attend counseling on my own if my partner doesn’t want to?

In principle, you can schedule one or more sessions on your own. However, for more lasting progress, it is generally more effective for both partners to participate together.

How does counseling with me work?

You can choose between two counseling options: an intensive session (4 hours) or an individual session (1 hour). The intensive session offers the advantage of achieving initial results more quickly and effectively. In fact, it’s often said that one intensive session is as effective as weekly individual sessions over three months. Plus, for some couples, it’s easier to schedule a single intensive session than to arrange regular individual appointments.

Both an individual session as well as an intensive session can be held either in person at my private practice in Düsseldorf or online via Teams.

How often should we meet?

The duration of counseling varies greatly. It depends on your personal history, motivation, and the issues you bring to the table. In my experience, it typically takes at least 6-8 one-hour sessions to see initial positive results.

What topics can I discuss with you?

Couples come to me with a variety of issues. Here’s a selection of topics:

  • Conflicts in the relationship that you can’t resolve on your own
  • Challenges in your relationship following the birth of a child
  • Separation counseling: Separation without a war of roses, especially when kids are involved
  • Different perspectives on starting a family, where to live etc.
  • Infidelity, whether it’s you or your partner
  • We need to see if this relationship is going anywhere
  • Difficulties in finding a partner etc.

What’s next after the intensive session?

We can tailor the follow-up based on your individual needs. I recommend scheduling at least one follow-up session about 4 weeks after the intensive session. Some couples find it beneficial to arrange follow-up sessions every 2 to 4 weeks, giving them time to practice and reinforce what they’ve learned.