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Avoiding Relationship Breakdowns: How Couples Therapy Acts Like a Tune-Up for Your Marriage

We get tune-ups for our cars, routine checkups for our health, and service calls for our homes—but when it comes to our relationships, many of us wait until a full breakdown happens before we ask for help. 

The truth? Couples who seek therapy before their relationship hits a crisis often have a much better chance of long-term success. Waiting until issues feel unfixable can make healing harder. Addressing concerns early, even when they seem small, is one of the best ways to build a healthy and lasting partnership. 

What the Research Says About Marital Health 

According to the American Psychological Association, up to 40-50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. The most common reasons include poor communication, financial disagreements, lack of intimacy, and emotional disconnect—all of which often begin subtly and grow over time if not addressed. 

A 2024 survey by YouGov revealed that 1 in 4 Americans in long-term relationships feel they’re in a “relationship rut”, often citing fewer romantic gestures, building resentment, or feeling unheard. These signs don’t necessarily signal the end of a relationship—but they do require attention. 

That’s where couples therapy can make a significant difference. 

Why Timing Matters in Therapy 

Much like routine care helps us prevent health emergencies, early couples therapy can prevent emotional disconnection and frustration from growing into something more serious. Engaging in therapy proactively helps couples: 

  • Improve communication before it becomes destructive. 
  • Strengthen their bond by understanding each other’s emotional needs. 
  • Navigate conflict in a way that brings them closer, not further apart. 
  • Address intimacy challenges with compassion and understanding. 

Couples who attend therapy before a crisis often find the process more collaborative and constructive. It’s not about pointing fingers or placing blame—it’s about learning how to grow together, resolve conflict effectively, and maintain a meaningful connection. 

Most Common Relationship Issues—and How Therapy Helps 

The most common reasons for divorce and couples conflict include: 

  • Poor communication – one of the top reasons cited by both therapists and couples. 
  • Financial stress – money remains one of the most divisive topics in relationships. 
  • Intimacy issues – both emotional and physical connection can fade over time. 
  • Parenting disagreements – different approaches to parenting can cause resentment. 

Therapy gives couples a safe space to discuss these challenges openly and without judgment. With the support of a trained therapist, couples can learn strategies to repair connection and create a shared vision for their relationship. 

Why Choose Denova for Couples Counseling? 

At Denova, we provide whole-person care—addressing your mental, emotional, and physical health. Our licensed therapists are trained to support couples at any stage of their relationship, whether you’re newly navigating tension or simply want to strengthen your bond. 

Here’s why so many Arizona couples choose Denova: 

  • Same day or next day appointments—so you get the support you need, when you need it. 
  • Virtual and in-person options—with locations in Moon Valley, South Mountain, Phoenix, Mesa, Avondale, and Tucson. 
  • Most major insurance accepted, including AHCCCS. 
  • Integrated care model—your therapist can collaborate with your primary care provider if needed. 

Learn more about our behavioral health counseling services here. 

Invest in Your Relationship Before It’s in Trouble 

You don’t have to wait for a relationship to break down to get help. Just like your health, your marriage benefits from attention, maintenance, and expert support. Couples therapy can help you move from feeling stuck or disconnected to feeling heard, supported, and understood. 

At Denova, we believe healthy relationships are built with intention. Let us help you create the foundation for a strong, connected future. 

Book an appointment with a Denova therapist today and take the first step toward lasting connection. 

Start Your Path to Better Health Today with Denova

Schedule your appointment now and experience health care that meets you where you are. Same day, next day appointments for Psychiatry, Therapy and Primary Care available.

 

Amanda Keenhold, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

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