Ep 1. Couples Therapy Begins

As a therapist, Dr. Orna Guralnik is equipped to tackle even the most complicated relationships, but her newest clients prove to be particularly challenging. Over ten weeks, "Couples Therapy" explores the love lives of four New York couples, each with their own unique set of problems. In Season 1 Episode 1, "Couples Therapy Begins," we are introduced to these couples and begin to delve into their issues.

First up are Annie and Mau, a couple who have been together for 14 years and are struggling with intimacy issues. Mau has a history of infidelity, and Annie is having trouble trusting him. As we watch them begin their therapy sessions with Dr. Guralnik, it's clear that their communication skills and emotional intimacy are lacking. We see the two start to open up about their past and present issues and begin to work on building trust with each other.

Next, we meet Lauren and Sarah, who have been together for three years and are dealing with a fear of abandonment. Lauren, who is trans, has struggled with her identity for most of her life, and Sarah has had a hard time dealing with the emotional ups and downs that come with it. As they begin therapy, we see the two women start to explore their own insecurities and how they impact their relationship.

The third couple we meet is Elaine and DeSean, who have been together for six years and are working through issues around race and social class. Elaine is white and comes from a family with a lot of privilege, while DeSean grew up in poverty as a black man. As they start therapy, we see their different worldviews start to come to light, and it becomes clear that these issues are affecting their communication and connection.

Finally, we meet Samantha and Michael, a couple who have been together for just a few months but are already dealing with issues around jealousy and insecurity. Samantha has a history of cheating in past relationships, which has made it hard for Michael to trust her. As they begin therapy, we see them start to open up about their feelings and insecurities, and work on building trust and communication.

Throughout the episode, we also get to see glimpses of Dr. Guralnik's approach to therapy. She's a firm believer in the power of vulnerability and encourages her clients to be open and honest with each other, no matter how hard it may be. We see her challenge each of the couples to examine their own behavior and assumptions, and to really listen to each other.

Overall, "Couples Therapy Begins" sets the stage for what promises to be a deeply emotional and revealing exploration of love, relationships, and the human heart. As we watch these couples struggle and grow over the course of the season, we're reminded that no matter how difficult it may be, it's always worth it to pursue connection and intimacy with the people we love.