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Couples Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Couples Counseling for Emotional Reconnection

Even the strongest relationships face difficult seasons, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our specialized relationship counselors in Tampa and St. Petersburg provide the support needed to reignite intimacy, resolve conflict, and create a more fulfilling relationship.

Why Couples in Tampa & St. Petersburg Choose IBW

At It Begins Within we believe couples deserve more than generic advice - they deserve personalized guidance and perspective from experts that have helped thousands of couples heal.

Our therapists are licensed professionals with advanced training in the most effective methods for couples healing, including the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART). We help couples break toxic cycles, communicate with clarity, and rebuild emotional intimacy.

“Conflict in relationships is almost never about the surface issue, it’s about unmet emotional needs and patterns of disconnection - and that’s where couples therapy does its best work.” – Dr. Mary Perleoni, PhD

Whether you’re navigating a crisis or simply feeling disconnected, our relationship therapists in Tampa and St. Pete are here to help you heal—together.

Meet Our Top-Rated Couples Therapists in Tampa & St. Petersburg

  • Tampa-based marriage counselor supporting couples through infidelity, parenting, and life transitions

    Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC

    Certified Infidelity Specialist Near You in Tampa

  • Licensed therapist in Tampa helping couples break unhealthy patterns through structured counseling

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Sex Therapist & Communication Counselor in Tampa

  • Tampa couples counselor specializing in military marriage counseling and blended family dynamics

    Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC

    Relationship Counselor for Military & Blended Families in Florida

  • Relationship therapy in Tampa, Fl for Conflict Resolution

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Relationship Therapist in Tampa, Fl for Conflict Resolution

  • Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC – PhD Counselor Educator Headshot of a top-rated couples therapist in Tampa, offering expert guidance for emotional intimacy in Tampa

    Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    Top Couples Therapist in Tampa for Emotional Reconnection

  • Gottman Kelly LMFT - Method Marriage Therapy in South Tampa

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Gottman Method Couples Therapy in South Tampa

  • Couples therapist specializing in discernment counseling and high-conflict relationships in St. Petersburg

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    Discernment Counseling & Conflict Resolution in St. Petersburg, Florida

  • relationship counseling in St. Pete specializing in trauma, attachment wounds, and emotional repair

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Trauma-Informed Couples Therapist in St. Pete

  • Headshot of a therapist specializing in the Gottman Method, providing structured relationship counseling in Tampa and St. Pete.

    Jessica Klein, MA, LMHC

    Expert in Gottman Method Couples Counseling for Florida-Based Clients

schedule a free consultation with a relationship counselor near me

What Problems Does Couples Therapy Solve?

Many couples wait until they’re at a breaking point—but therapy is most effective when done proactively. Common issues we help with include:

  • Frequent arguments or communication breakdowns

  • Feeling more like roommates than partners

  • Emotional disconnection or sexual dissatisfaction

  • Parenting differences

  • Infidelity or betrayal

  • Fear of separation or divorce

Couples therapist in Tampa practicing the Gottman Method to improve communication and emotional safety

What to Expect During Couples Counseling in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Your first session will include:

  • A warm, judgment-free space

  • Exploring goals (together and individually)

  • Practical tools for better communication

  • A roadmap for healing tailored to your relationship

We typically recommend a minimum of 4 consecutive sessions to begin - just one month to change the direction of your relationship.

If this is the first time you and your partner are exploring couples therapy, and you’re eager (or nervous) to learn more, this article from Dr. Mary Perleoni may e useful - What to expect in relationship counseling

Couple reconnecting emotionally with the support of a licensed counselor during in-person therapy in St. Petersburg

Couples Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

We offer specialized care for a wide range of relationship challenges:

types of couples therapy in tampa and st. petersburg

Related Therapy Approaches

While your relationship or marriage challenges be front and center, many of our Tampa and St. Petersburg clients come to a realization that their relationship challenges are actually just a symptom of an underlying issue that remains unresolved. If you feel like that may resonate with your situation, we invite you to explore our additional therapeutic approaches.

What Makes Our Couples Therapists Different?

Unlike generic directories like Psychology Today, our couples therapists in Tampa and St. Pete are among the top 1% of clinicians in Florida. Each clinician:

  • Specializes in couples therapy and is supervised by a PhD-level educator

  • Uses evidence-based models (Gottman, EFT, CBT, SART)

  • Offers personalized care aligned with your relationship goals

  • Practices empathy, neutrality, and results-driven support

Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Does couples therapy really work?

Yes. According to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 70% of couples see improvement with counseling. With expert guidance from our Tampa-based team, your odds improve even more.

Is couples therapy worth it?

If your relationship matters, it’s worth investing in. Many couples say they wish they had started sooner.

How do I convince my partner to go?

Invite them to one free consultation—low commitment, high impact. Share that therapy is neutral, goal-focused, and not about blame.

What are the keys to success in couples counseling in Tampa, FL?

There are several key factors that determine the success of relationship counseling. Each couple, relationship or partnership will have different goals and objectives, which may even vary greatly between the couple. For instance one partner may want to save the relationship, while the other primarily wants to feel appreciated and important. Our goal is to help find alignment between these goals, and help each couple find their path to achievement, along with providing specialized training to help the individuals overcome challenges.

How long will couples counseling take?

Most couples see meaningful changes within 4–6 sessions, and begin meeting their therapeutic goals within 10-12 sessions (on average). Relationship counseling varies based on the needs of the couple, the challenges they are facing, and the pace of their progress.

Can therapy help if we’re considering divorce?

Absolutely. Discernment counseling or SART can help you make the healthiest decision—together.

How much does couples counseling cost in Tampa, FL?

$215 per 60-minute session. We are out-of-network but provide superbills and accept HSA/FSA.

What type of therapy is used in couples counseling?

Our relationship therapists use a variety of evidence-based and clinically proven approaches. Whenever possible, we strongly encourage couples to attend sessions in-person. While we primarily rely on four approaches, our couples therapists in Tampa & St. Petersburg utilize a combination of leading approaches to arrive at the best outcome for our clients. These include:

  • Gottman Method

  • Emotional Focused Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Couples

  • Imago Relationship Therapy

What is the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy?

The Gottman Method of relationship counseling is a research-based approach designed to improve relationships by teaching conflict resolution, focusing on strengths in the relationship, and amplifying shared values. Learn more about finding a Gottman Method therapist in Tampa.

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

Emotionally Focused Therapy is a proven couples therapy approach that helps partners improve emotional connection and break negative communication patterns. It focuses on creating secure attachment, fostering empathy, and rebuilding trust—especially when couples feel disconnected or stuck.

How does virtual couples therapy in florida work?

Virtual couples therapy works much like in-person sessions, but takes place over a secure video platform. You and your partner will meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home or office, allowing you to discuss challenges, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship with the same level of support and guidance.

Facts About Couples Therapy in Tampa and Beyond

At It Begins Within Healing Center, we provide expert couples therapy and marriage therapy across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area. We currently find the demand for trusted relationship support is on the rise. This is especially true for couples facing communication breakdowns, trust issues, and emotional disconnection.

Understanding Couples Therapy Stats

  • The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that 40–50% of U.S. marriages end in divorce, with many citing unresolved conflicts as the breaking point. Source: APA

  • In Florida, the divorce rate sits at 3.4 per 500 couples, which is higher than the national average - unfortunately making cities like Tampa a hotspot for relationship challenges. Source: CDC National Vital Statistics

  • A 2020 study in Family Process found that couples receiving Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) reported significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, with 68% showing reduced distress after 26 sessions, based on a randomized clinical trial of 67 couples. Source: Family Process

Relationship struggles can erode emotional health, intimacy, and family stability. With compassionate and evidence-based couples therapy, healing is achievable. Whether you’re a Tampa couple navigating frequent arguments, rebuilding after infidelity, or simply seeking to strengthen your bond in St. Pete or Pinellas County, our expert relationship therapists are here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule Free Consultation

It Begins Within is a leader in relationship counseling in Tampa, FL. If you are struggling in your relationship and looking for couples therapy near me in Tampa or St. Petersburg, we invite you to schedule a free consultation call with our expert marriage and couples therapists.