The Power Struggle Stage in Relationships |Dr. Harel Papikian
Couples often expect the first stage of romantic love to last a lifetime. Some of us succeed in keeping the flame alive forever. However, the initial euphoric infatuation will have
Frequently Asked Questions
Couples therapy in Los Angeles typically costs between $200 and $300 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience, specialization, and session length. Some therapists offer initial consultations or packages to help couples get started. At West Hollywood Couples Therapy Clinic, we focus on providing effective, goal-oriented sessions designed to help couples create meaningful progress as efficiently as possible.
Research shows that about 70–75% of couples report improvement in their relationship after therapy. Success often depends on both partners being open to the process and committed to improving communication and understanding. At West Hollywood Couples Therapy Clinic, our approach focuses on practical strategies and proven therapeutic techniques that help couples rebuild trust and strengthen their connection.
Many couples come to therapy with the goal of healing and transforming their union. Many of these couples successfully overcome their relational challenges and build the relationship they want. The success of Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling depends on whether both partners want the relationship to work and are willing to make the necessary effort to heal the relationship and grow as individuals. If the answer is an affirmative “yes”, your relationship stands an excellent chance of healing and becoming the relationship you want it to be.
Yes, couples therapy can significantly improve communication problems. Many relationship challenges stem from misunderstandings, emotional triggers, or ineffective communication patterns. In therapy, couples learn practical tools to express their needs clearly, listen more effectively, and resolve conflicts in a healthier way
Couples therapy can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, either to address a problem, or to enhance an area in our relationship. Couples often reach out due to relational crisis, stagnation, or due to a specific concern such as physical intimacy. If you feel disconnected, repeat the same conflicts without resolution, struggle with trust, have difficulty communicating effectively, or simply want to take your relationship to the next level, therapy could be helpful.
The first session is focused on exploration of the current relationship landscape, the story each partner has about the relationship, and the goals each partner has for therapy. Dr. Harel would often ask “Let’s pretend that we have done amazing work together and you got everything you want out of therapy. What does it look like for you?” The first session is an exploration of the relational dynamics and cycles.
On average, couples therapy with Dr. Harel spans about 3 to 4 months of weekly sessions, though the timeline can vary depending on your unique needs and goals. Many couples begin to notice meaningful shifts in their relationship after just 6 to 8 sessions. For individuals, therapy often takes around 2 months.
Since the answer to this question depends on your coverage, reach out to your carrier for more information. If you have a plan that accepts out-of-network mental health providers, Dr. Harel will offer you a monthly billing statement for you to directly bill your carrier for partial reimbursement.
In couples therapy there are sessions in which both partners will attend together. Here we are working to identify the relational patterns and communication barriers that require new skills and change. There will also be individual sessions for each partner. Individual work will happen after the first month of therapy. The focus of individual sessions is on addressing personal “baggage” that interferes with the connection and harmony in the relationship. Just like in a healthy relationship, in couples therapy we will have shared space to address the relationship, and personal space, to address personal growth.
Your privacy is paramount to us. Everything discussed in our sessions remains confidential, with a few legal exceptions related to safety concerns. More specifically, in case a patient discloses being a danger to self or others, or reports abuse or neglect of a child or an elderly person, confidentiality concerns become secondary, and our priority becomes the patient’s and other people’s safety.
Originally, our clinic focused on gay men, same-sex couples, and the LGBTQI+ community. Over time, our success drew a broader clientele and currently, we proudly serve individuals of all backgrounds and couples of all configurations. Our clients include heterosexual (straight) couples, same-sex couples, transgender couples, bi-racial and multicultural couples, and individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and racial backgrounds. We celebrate diversity. Our commitment is to create a safe space for anyone ready to benefit from our transformative process of healing and growth.
