Watch real couples work through therapy

The documentary series Couples Therapy follows real couples with psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralni as they tackle relationship problems in weekly sessions. Five seasons of ten episodes each offer lessons you can apply to your own relationship.

Stop fighting to be right

Dr. Orna tells couples that winning an argument matters less than resolving the real issue. Focus on understanding how your partner feels and what prompted those feelings instead of debating who did what.

Your negative thoughts are a prison

When you constantly dwell on how your partner hurt you, you block space for reconciliation. Dr. Orna reminds clients that thoughts and feelings, though valid, aren't facts. You choose whether to stay stuck in negativity.

Ask your partner to say more

When your partner shares something, resist the urge to react immediately. Ask them to say more so they can fully explain what they mean. This simple practice makes you less reactive and more empathetic.

Listen for feelings, not just facts

Dr. Orna teaches couples to listen differently. Instead of tracking the details of what happened, pay attention to how the story made your partner feel. This shifts your perspective entirely.

Childhood wounds show up in relationships

Dr. Orna explores clients' family histories because people often mirror behaviors from those who hurt them as children. Understanding your upbringing helps explain why you act certain ways and may reveal unresolved trauma straining your relationship.

Always name how you feel

Your partner can't read your mind. Dr. Orna emphasizes that you must say how you feel, whether expressing a fear or admitting they hurt you. Naming feelings prevents them from building up inside.

“You should never assume your partner knows how you feel: You need to say it.”

Learn from watching others

You don't need a therapist to benefit from Couples Therapy. Watching real couples navigate their problems can spark insights about your own relationship and help you handle your next argument better.