Ep 3. Communication Issues

Couples Therapy is a documentary-style show that follows real-life couples as they attend therapy sessions with Dr. Orna Guralnik, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. Season 2 episode 3, titled Communication Issues, focuses on the difficult conversations couples often have and how communication can break down or be improved between partners.

The episode opens with Dr. Orna meeting with Daryl and Sarah, a couple who have been together for 3 years. They have been struggling with communication issues, specifically with Daryl feeling like he can't express himself without Sarah becoming defensive. Sarah, on the other hand, feels like she is constantly walking on eggshells in their relationship. With Dr. Orna's help, they work on opening up and learning how to listen to each other in a more supportive way.

Next, we see Sessions with Alex and Carolyn, a couple who have been together for 12 years but have recently hit a rough patch. Alex has been feeling like he is not being heard or understood by Carolyn, and she has been struggling with feeling like she is not doing enough for their relationship. Dr. Orna works with them on expressing their needs and wants to each other in a more direct and empathetic way.

The third couple we meet is Dee and Wes, who have been together for 13 years. They are both chefs and have been working together for the past 3 years, which has put a strain on their relationship. Dee feels like she is not being appreciated by Wes, and Wes is struggling with feeling like he is not respected enough by Dee. Dr. Orna works with them on acknowledging each other's strengths and limitations and learning how to work together more effectively.

Finally, we meet Elaine and DeSean, a couple who have been together for 4 years and are navigating a long-distance relationship. They have been having trouble communicating effectively, with Elaine feeling like DeSean is not putting in enough effort and DeSean feeling like Elaine is too demanding. Dr. Orna helps them work on building trust and finding ways to stay connected despite the distance between them.

Throughout the episode, we see Dr. Orna's gentle and thoughtful approach to therapy and how she helps couples navigate their issues with care and understanding. We also see the couples trying to put into practice what they have learned in therapy, with varying degrees of success. By the end of the episode, we see some couples making progress and beginning to rebuild their relationships, while others are still struggling to find common ground.

Overall, Couples Therapy season 2 episode 3 is a thoughtful exploration of the challenges that couples face when trying to communicate effectively. The show offers a realistic and nuanced insight into couples therapy and how it can help couples overcome their issues and build stronger, healthier relationships.