3 Lessons from Couples Therapy

If you love to take a peek into the lives of other peoples’ relationships but are sick of the theatrics that comes with Married At First Sight, then let us introduce you to your new favourite streaming show, Couples Therapy.

Guided by Registered Clinical Psychotherapist Marryam Chehelnabi, who counsels couples over many months through longstanding challenges and the complexities, contradictions, joys, pains and the battle to stay in love. The series has been filmed in a purpose-built therapist’s office, with no intrusive cameras or lights, so couples can be totally open and honest (read: no contrived Hollywood dramas, just real couples, real challenges and real advice).

The premise of Couples Therapy is that most couples suffer in isolation, rarely sharing their struggles with others due to the stigma associated with needing therapy. In fact, studies have shown that couples usually wait approximately six years after the onset of their problems before reaching out for professional help. This documentary series provides Australian viewers unprecedented access into the private world of couples therapy, providing rare insight into the therapeutic process as each brave couple face and move through their challenges to find fresh avenues of healing, growth and connection.

Here, just a few of the things we’ve learned already from watching the show…

Clinical Psychotherapist Marryam Chehelnabi

(Image supplied: Paramount+)

1. A couples therapist can help greatly, but couples need to be motivated to change

“I’m not here to fix or solve anything, and I can’t do any of that, even if I wanted to,” Marryam explains of her role in helping couples navigate their issues.

“My work involves collaborating with the couple to develop their relational skills, facilitate their understanding of their unique relationship dynamics, and deepen their awareness of the strengths and challenges that exist within the relationship.

She added, “What happens from there really boils down to what the couple chooses to do in therapy.”

There’s no quick relationship fix, peeps, but there’s plenty of addictive viewing, and real-life advice along the way.

2. We’ve been hoodwinked by celebrity couples for far too long

Far from reality-show caricatures, this true documentary filmmaking brings viewers into the authentic and visceral experience of weekly therapy with three real Australian couples, as they dive into their long-standing conflicts, explore their personal histories and seek connection and new compassion for each other.

No staged dramatic dinner parties here — which is truly refreshing!

Couple Polly and Stef in session

(Image supplied: Paramount+)

3. Love actually is complicated

Marryam shows the raw complexities, contradictions, joys and pains that couples face in their battle to stay in love. You know, real-world stuff.

Far from being black and white, Marryam gives insight into the complex nature of relationships, including the effect of emotional wounds from previous relationships and childhood, dealing with jealousy, intimacy, time constraints, partner expectations as well as the crucial role of compassion and connection in understanding your partner’s source of pain.

It’s helpful, real, addictive viewing at it’s best. And it’s Australian made.

Brought to you by Paramount + Couples Therapy Australia — a docu-series that unlocks a hidden world: other people’s relationships. Streaming now on Paramount+

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