Quick Overview: Yes. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling may focus on a problem in a relationship, including family and marriage therapy. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can examine interactions with other people and teach social and communication skills. These sources describe possible areas of focus, not a prediction about fit, process, or outcomes for a particular person or relationship.
What Research Says About Relationship Concerns
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope with concerns that can include a problem in a relationship. Its examples of therapy and counseling include family and marriage therapy.
That information supports a plain answer to the question: relationship concerns can be a topic in therapy. It does not identify a single approach for every relationship concern. It also does not establish whether a particular service, therapist, or format will fit a particular inquiry.
Therapy and counseling are among the types of care described by SAMHSA. The source notes that there are many types of therapy and counseling. A person considering therapy for relationship concerns can use an initial conversation to ask what topics a practice discusses and what information the practice requests when someone inquires.
Where Communication Skills May Appear in Psychotherapy
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The organization lists several elements that psychotherapy can include. One listed element is examining interactions with other people and teaching social and communication skills.
This means communication skills may be included in psychotherapy. It does not mean that every psychotherapy approach uses the same methods, addresses the same topics, or includes communication skills in the same way.
The National Institute of Mental Health also states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. Its information about psychotherapy is general information and does not determine what will occur in an individual therapy or couples therapy experience.
What General Information Cannot Establish
The sources above do not determine whether therapy will resolve a relationship concern, change a particular interaction, or produce a particular result. They also do not establish a standard length, structure, or sequence for therapy focused on relationship concerns.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties and that the approach used depends on training and experience and the issue being treated. It suggests asking prospective therapists about the approach they use, the goals of therapy, and how progress will be assessed.
For a general inquiry, it can be appropriate to ask whether a practice offers a service related to the question you want to discuss. A practice can answer questions about its services and consultation process; general education cannot decide fit for you.
A Reflection Table for Relationship Support Questions
| Question to consider | Question to bring forward |
|---|---|
| What relationship concern do I want to ask about? | Which service listed by the practice relates to this question, if any? |
| Am I asking about interactions with other people? | How does the practice describe its approach to questions about interactions? |
| Am I interested in communication skills? | Can I ask how communication skills may be discussed in the service I am considering? |
| Am I considering individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, or therapy intensives? | Which listed service should I ask about? |
| Does access near Orem or Provo, or virtual therapy across Utah, relate to my inquiry? | What access information can the practice provide for the service I am considering? |
These are questions for reflection and inquiry. They do not identify a cause of a relationship concern or establish what type of therapy is appropriate.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What information does the practice ask for when someone has a question about relationship concerns?
- Does the practice list a service that relates to couples therapy or relationship support?
- How does the practice describe the consultation call?
- May I ask questions about communication skills or interactions with other people?
- What access information is available for in-person therapy near Orem and Provo or virtual therapy across Utah?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist. The purpose of a consultation call at a particular practice should be confirmed directly with that practice.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy identifies Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, on its website. The practice lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. The service list does not by itself establish which service is available for a particular inquiry or which service may fit a particular concern.
The practice FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
FAQs
Can therapy address concerns in a relationship?
Yes. SAMHSA states that therapy and counseling may focus on a problem in a relationship, including family and marriage therapy. This general statement does not predict outcomes or establish personal fit.
Can therapy include communication skills?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can examine interactions with other people and teach social and communication skills. It does not state that every therapy experience includes the same skills or methods.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy list couples therapy?
Yes. Rooted Integrative Therapy lists couples therapy among its services. You can ask the practice whether that listed service relates to your inquiry.
Is virtual therapy listed by the practice?
Rooted Integrative Therapy states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo and virtual therapy across Utah. Ask the practice for access information related to the service you are considering.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you want to learn more about therapy for relationship concerns, you can use the Rooted Integrative Therapy Connect page to submit an inquiry or appointment request. The practice FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.