What is couples therapy and what is it for?
Couples therapy is psychological support in which the relationship is at the centre of the work. It isn't about finding someone to blame or having the therapist decide who is right, but about understanding how you are relating to each other and what you would like to change.
Some of the reasons couples come to us:
- Arguments about the same issues, over and over again.
- A sense of distance, of not understanding each other, or of talking without listening.
- Difficulties with intimacy or in your sex life.
- Shared changes: moving in together, children, moving house, work or a crisis.
- Doubts about whether to stay together.
- A separation you want to go through on good terms.
Your relationship doesn't have to be "at breaking point" for you to seek help. Sometimes therapy helps you make sense of a period of change before the distress grows.
How do we work in couples therapy?
We work from a systemic approach: we look at the relationship as a system in which each of you influences the other, and we look for shared goals. Brief systemic, solution-focused therapy pays attention to what already works in your relationship and to the resources you have, not only to the problem.
In general, the process follows these steps:
- Listening to both of you. In the first session, each of you describes how you experience the situation and what you would like to achieve.
- Defining shared goals. We agree on what you would like to change in the relationship and how you will notice that you are making progress.
- Working in and between sessions. We try out different ways of communicating, handling conflict and looking after the relationship, and review what works for you.
If for now only one of you wants to come, let us know and we'll work out with you how to get started.
The goal is not necessarily to stay together. Some couples decide to rebuild their relationship and others to separate with as little harm as possible. Both decisions are yours to make. If you have children and are reorganising your family, family therapy may also help.
Who will see you?
We'll help you choose the team member who best fits what you are looking for. These people offer couples therapy:
- Lisa Marie Edelkraut · PhD in Psychology, psychotherapist and university lecturer, registration no. AO12129. Expert in Family Therapy and Systemic Intervention, with a particular interest in couples therapy. She is the one who offers sessions in English and German.
- Marina Rodríguez Conesa · Psychotherapist with more than 15 years of experience, registration no. AO-06147. She supports couples who wish to rebuild their relationship or separate on good terms, and works in sex therapy and with sexual and gender diversity.
- Carmen Márquez Espárraga · General Health Psychologist, registration no. AO-13515. Works from Brief Systemic Therapy; her areas include relationships and break-ups.
- Mark Mesa Oostlander · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO-04758, with a Master's in Systemic Family Therapy. Works from Brief Systemic Therapy, with experience in family work, couples and crisis intervention.
- Miguel Blanes Arias · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO-08776. Specialised in brief systemic therapy, with training in individual, couples and family therapy.
- Patricia Santos Durán · Psychotherapist, registration no. AO10798, specialised in family therapy from a systemic approach.
- Lídia Algar Roldán · Psychotherapist and educational psychologist, registration no. AO-12499, with more than ten years of experience working with families.
Couples therapy in English or German
If Spanish is not the first language you share as a couple, or you prefer to speak another language, Lisa Marie Edelkraut offers sessions in English and German. She has worked in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, and sees couples from Europe, the United States, Australia and South America, including online.
How much does it cost and how long does it last?
A couples session costs €80; in English or German with Lisa Marie Edelkraut, €100. Each session lasts approximately one hour, and the price is the same in person and online.
The number of sessions depends on your goals and on how the process goes; it can't be fixed in advance. We review it together regularly.
In person or online?
You can come to our practice at Alameda de Colón 2, 3º H, 29001 Málaga, in the Soho district (how to get there), or have your sessions by video call. Online therapy can be practical if you have difficult schedules or live outside Málaga. If you are each in a different place, mention it when booking and we'll explain how to arrange it. More information on online therapy.
We are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 21:00, and on Saturdays, 09:00 to 14:00.
Frequently asked questions about couples therapy
Do we both have to come to every session?
In couples therapy we usually work with both partners. If you're unsure how to start, or for now only one of you wants to come, let us know and we'll look at it with you.
Can couples therapy also help with separating?
Yes. Some couples come to rebuild their relationship and others to separate on good terms, especially when there are children or shared decisions involved.
Do you work on sexuality and intimacy?
Yes. Marina Rodríguez Conesa works in sex therapy and sexology, and intimacy is one of the most common topics in couples therapy.
Do you work with same-sex couples?
Yes, we work with any couple. The team has experience in sexual and gender diversity.
Can we have couples therapy in English or German?
Yes. Lisa Marie Edelkraut offers sessions in English and German, in person in Málaga and online. A session in English or German costs €100.
Take the first step
You can book an appointment online, message us on WhatsApp or call 629 359 443. If you're unsure who to start with, tell us briefly what is going on and we'll help you choose. If you're looking to work on something that is just about you, you can also take a look at therapy for anxiety and stress or our other services.
We are not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 112 or Línea 024, the suicide prevention helpline.
Content reviewed by Alberto Moreno Gámez, health psychologist, registration no. AO-5524 · 17 October 2026