Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Couples Therapy for Homosexual Couples
Homosexual couples face the same questions and conflicts as heterosexual couples. The focus of the counseling process is the relationship itself with its many facets. Usually, there is no need for a separate or renewed explanation of the homosexual way of life. Our couples therapy for homosexual couples in Cologne offers you a safe space to resolve conflicts, strengthen trust, and develop new perspectives together.
Finding solutions together
In a relationship, all couples face challenges – but homosexual couples often encounter additional social and emotional hurdles. Our couples counseling in Cologne is also specifically aimed at homosexual couples who want to strengthen their relationship and manage conflicts together.
We offer you a safe space where you, as a same-sex couple, can address your individual issues and challenges. Whether it is about communication problems, differing needs, or external pressure – in our counseling, we help you find solutions tailored to your relationship. Often, homosexual couples have to deal with societal prejudices or lack of acceptance, which can place additional pressure on the partnership. Our couples counseling allows you to speak openly about these experiences and find ways to protect and strengthen your relationship against external influences.
Common topics in Couples Therapy for homosexual couples
Our couples therapists have many years of experience in couples counseling, including for homosexual couples. The following topics have emerged as particularly common issues for same-sex couples in countless cases of couples therapy:
At our couples counseling in Cologne, we focus on an empathetic and individualized approach. We understand that every relationship is unique and provide you with the space to reflect on and further develop your partnership. Whether it is dealing with everyday conflicts, strengthening the emotional bond, or planning shared future perspectives – we accompany you on your path to a fulfilling and stable relationship.
Trust that your relationship – regardless of external circumstances or societal expectations – has the potential to grow and flourish. With our support, you can further strengthen your love and commitment to each other and lead a happy, healthy relationship.
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.
Every relationship is unique – yet lesbian and gay couples often ask themselves the question:
How do we want to live our homosexual relationship?
This question is often shaped by experiences in childhood, the family of origin, and the respective cultural background. Societal conditions, growing up in rural or urban areas, and the thought patterns of the social environment also influence the process of same-sex self-realization. Some of our gay and lesbian clients report unpleasant negative experiences that can still affect everyday life in a relationship today.
In our process of same-sex development, we often try to rely on role models that are meant to provide guidance:
What characterizes being gay or lesbian? Do I shape my homosexual partnership in the same way others shape their heterosexual relationship?
However, compared to their heterosexual counterparts, same-sex role models face the added difficulty that their psychosexual identity is often not openly visible in everyday life. Many clients report challenges with their coming-out. Therefore, in the gay and lesbian environment, there are fewer “role patterns” and no cross-generational traditions that could serve as orientation.
Lesbian and gay couples are thus faced with the additional task of defining their relationship individually and in its value. Contrary to outdated prejudices, a same-sex partnership cannot be simply categorized. It is just as multifaceted in its interplay of love, affection, and partnership. Counseling for same-sex couples has its particularities and is just as individual as marriage counseling or couples therapy for heterosexual couples.
When is couples therapy useful?
A happy, functioning partnership is a valuable resource in our lives. It can serve as a secure anchor in coping with crises and also strengthen our well-being and sense of fulfillment. A fulfilling partnership consists of two partners who can rely on their own ability to maintain a relationship. Sometimes, however, conflicts arise that can become so entrenched that the couple no longer knows how to break the cycle of behavior on their own.
Examples of such conflicts include:
- Constant arguing
- Different values
- Partnership vs. individuality: how can I contribute to my relationship while continuing to develop my own personality?
- Jealousy
- Sexual or emotional infidelity
- Loss of trust
- What are my relationship patterns? How do our relationship patterns differ? What does this mean for our mutual understanding?
- Communication problems
- Needs and desires are no longer expressed or fulfilled
- Identity difficulties: what do I actually expect from my relationship?
- Proximity-distance issues: what to do when one of us demands more mutual independence?
Couples Therapy Costs: What does couples therapy cost at Paarberatung Köln?
Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover the costs of couples counseling or couples therapy.
- Cost of an initial session (90 minutes): €170 (plus VAT)
- Cost of each subsequent session (90 minutes): €190 (plus VAT)
- Recommended duration: individually determined, usually around 6–10 sessions
The duration of couples therapy varies individually – on average, fruitful results can be seen after just a few sessions. Our couples counselors clarify your concerns, wishes, and expectations together with you. Feel free to schedule an initial appointment at our MVZ für Psychotherapie GmbH Odendahl & Brinkmann in Cologne’s Südstadt!
Our Couples Therapists
Our couples therapists help you as a same-sex couple to find new perspectives. This way, you can jointly find a way out of your relationship crisis.
Start your journey to a stronger
Partnership
In a non-binding initial session at Couples Counseling Cologne, we take the time to discuss your individual concerns and challenges in the partnership. Together, we develop initial approaches to find new ways toward more harmony, understanding, and mutual trust. Our experienced therapists provide you with a safe space where you can openly talk about your relationship and develop solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Let us help you strengthen your partnership and create a stable foundation for your shared future – start your journey to a more fulfilling relationship now.
FAQs
A happy, functioning partnership is a valuable resource in our lives. It can serve as a secure anchor in coping with crises and also strengthen our well-being and sense of fulfillment. A fulfilling partnership consists of two partners who can rely on their own relational abilities. However, when conflicts arise that become so entrenched that the couple no longer knows how to break the cycle of behavior on their own, couples therapy can be meaningful.
All sessions are subject to confidentiality and are strictly private. This creates a safe space where you can speak openly.
Definitely! Couples therapy is not only suitable for crisis situations. Many couples use it preventively to strengthen their relationship, improve communication skills, and prevent conflicts.
Absolutely. Our therapy is aimed at all people – regardless of sexual orientation or relationship model. Whether you are in a heterosexual, homosexual, polyamorous relationship, or have a completely individual arrangement, we support you with empathy and a solution-oriented approach.
One of the partners wants the therapist to agree with him or her and to stop the partner’s undesirable behavior. This represents an expectation that the couples counselor cannot fulfill. Both parties learn acceptance. This is an important process, because people are less willing to change the more pressure is put on them. Defiance and rejection will decrease and better communication will develop. The role of the therapist in couples therapy in Cologne includes being neutral, thinking in an all-partisan way and also acting accordingly. He or she must empathize with both partners and their boundaries.