Mann und Frau auf Couch, Jungendlicher im Gespräch

Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling

Couples Therapy for Diverse Couples

For couples who combine different identities, needs, and forms of expression in their relationship: We offer a safe space where topics such as body image, identity, and communication can be explored. Our couples therapy supports you in living your relationship authentically while developing a deeper understanding and respectful harmony.

Openness and understanding for every reality of life

Relationships are as individual as the people who are in them. Particular challenges can arise in partnerships where gender identity or social expectations play a role. Our practice in Cologne offers a safe space where transgender, gender-fluid, and non-binary people and their partners are treated with respect and professionalism.

Do you have questions about

Couples Therapy?

If you have any questions, feel free to call us or send us an email. We will be happy to advise you in a free initial consultation.

Empathetic counseling for all issues that concern you

Exploring your own identity, transitioning to an authentic body image, or finding a common path in your relationship – all of these can raise profound questions. Our couples counseling specializes in providing you with empathetic and competent support in these areas.

We can assist you with, among other things:

  • Communication in a relationship: How can I talk about my needs, insecurities, and desires without risking misunderstandings or hurt feelings?
  • Supportive partnership: As a partner, how can I strengthen my partner’s identity and personal development?
  • Dealing with social pressure: How can we as a couple distance ourselves from external expectations and live our own relationship dynamics?
  • Transition and partnership: How do we jointly manage the changes that accompany a transition?
  • Self-esteem and finding your role: How can I develop a positive self-image and find my role in the relationship?
  • Sexuality and intimacy: How can we rediscover intimacy and tailor it to our needs?
  • Emotional support in relationships: How can we strengthen each other when things get challenging?
  • Desire to have children and family planning: How can we as a couple deal with this issue, regardless of whether we want children or not? How can we find a solution together that meets the wishes and needs of both of us?

Our goal is to encourage you to make your relationship a place of safety and mutual support.

Why choose our MVZ? Because diversity is our strength

In our couples counseling, we place particular emphasis on respectful interaction, free from prejudice.

  • Individually tailored counseling: Every counseling session is as unique as your story.
  • Professional competence and experience: We support people of diverse genders with our in-depth expertise.
  • A safe space for trust: We offer a secure environment where all topics can be discussed openly.

Our Couples Therapists

Our therapists bring experience and understanding of the unique challenges faced by transgender, gender-fluid, and non-binary individuals. It is important to us that you feel seen, understood, and accepted here.

Couples Therapist
Karen Zettelmeyer

M.Sc.
Claudia Brinkmann

Dipl. Psych.
Ricarda Christine

Dipl. Social Worker
Michaela Etscheid-Garnitz

M.A. Social Pedagogue
Lara Wieczorek

A new perspective on your relationship – for mutual growth

Couples counseling is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and the desire for a fulfilling, harmonious partnership. At our practice, we want to help you discover new perspectives, resolve stressful conflicts, and work together to build a loving relationship.

Whether you are facing a major change, want to work on recurring conflicts, or want to deepen your partnership – we are here for you.

Book your couples therapy appointment now

A relationship crisis does not arise overnight. However, once it occurs, there is usually a desire to find a shared path as quickly as possible. Couples therapy offers great potential to emerge from the crisis stronger together.

Book your couples therapy appointment directly online now in our booking calendar.

Couples therapy for homosexual couples

Our couples therapy offers homosexual couples a space to strengthen relationship dynamics, overcome challenges, and develop a deeper understanding of each other. We support you in working together to achieve a fulfilling partnership.

Couples therapy for polyamorous relationships

Our couples therapy helps you overcome the challenges of polyamorous relationships and find a balance between closeness, trust, and personal freedom. We support you in promoting clear communication and harmonizing individual needs.

FAQs

How do couples therapists and couples work together?

When starting couples therapy, make sure you choose a competent couples therapist: your therapist should be willing to talk transparently about therapy methods. You both need to feel comfortable and feel that they are loyal to you as a couple. In couples therapy in Cologne, both parties should always be able to communicate openly with each other.

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Yes, we offer a free initial consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, clarify any open questions, and work together to determine how we can best support you. Click here to schedule an appointment directly.

How do we find the right therapist?

It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. During the first session, you can find out whether the chemistry is right and whether the therapeutic approach suits your needs.

Is couples therapy only for heterosexual couples?

No, couples therapy is suitable for couples of all sexual orientations and relationship types. Whether a relationship is heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or pansexual, therapy aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen mutual understanding. Every type of relationship can benefit from the same therapeutic principles.

What if we live apart or are in a long-distance relationship?

Even in a long-distance relationship or when living separately, couples therapy can help. We offer online sessions to provide support regardless of your location.

When can I expect to see the first positive changes?

Many of our clients feel a positive change after the first session. Together, we create a space in which your individual issues are addressed in a targeted manner so that you can quickly experience initial success.

I would like to try couples therapy. What can I do if my partner is skeptical?

With many years of experience, we can say that almost always one partner is skeptical and not enthusiastic about the prospect of couples therapy. Often, unpleasant feelings such as fear or shame are the reason for skepticism. Many people are afraid of accusations, blame, or unpleasant situations. If your partner is one of them, come to us alone at first. At a later point, simply ask your partner to accompany you once. This allows for a gentle introduction to couples therapy. Reservations can be discussed and usually dispelled within the framework of couples counseling. Many couples have started their journey into couples therapy in exactly this way.