Couples Therapy

"Couples Therapy" (2019 release; 9 episodes of about 27 min. each) is a TV documentary series about couples therapy. As Episode 1 opens, we are introduced to Annie and Mau, married for 23 years. They are in session with psychoanalyst and couples therapist Orna Guralnik, and they start telling their story and why they are seeking therapy. Next up are Elaine and DeSean, married for 11 years. At this point we are less than 15 min. into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: first and foremost, this documentary series has nothing to do with the reality TV show of the same name that aired on VH-1 in 2012-2015. Second, the premise of this documentary is to follow 4 couples (the other two are Lauren and Sarah, married for 2 years, and Evelyn and Alan, married for 6 years). There is a reason why at the end of each episode we get a note that "The producers wish to thank the participating couples for their bravery and honesty". Indeed, the strength of this series is that these 4 couples leave it all out there, I mean, at times it is almost too much to take in. And it must be that the couples therapist feels likewise, as she is seen consulting with her clinical adviser, and she comments that she sometimes can't sleep at night due to the couples needs and her power/responsibility over these couples. If one were a cynic, one could say this series plays out like a soap opera as we become completely invested in these people, except that these are fictional characters but instead real people with real life problems.

"Couples Therapy" originally aired last Fall on Showtime, and I recently bingw-watched all 9 episodes in a single setting on SHO On Demand, yes, it is that good! A second season already has been green-lit and will be airing later this year, Can't wait for that!

Just finished season 2 and thought it was even better than season 1. I don't normally watch reality TV, but this show is very compelling and heartwarming to say the least. Its real people, real struggles and Orna is just mesmerizing at times. Sometimes she says very little and just lets them talk, but then she can say something so profound it just punches you in the gut. I did some reading about her and gotta say her background and how she came to do this show is worth the read. I think the series is over which is a bummer. I highly recommend watching this for the profound conversations and just sheer will of the show.

Watching therapy sessions will of course, not be for everyone. But this is a heart breaking and hope filled journey of human beings.

Anyone who has ever been in any therapy-couples or otherwise-should appreciate this show. People communicate differently, patterns get established, feelings are hurt. Some people need to talk "right now" when there's a problem in their relationship, and others need to stew for a while. This show captured it all. I was in couples therapy with my ex and, much later, my spouse. What I learned in the first go around definitely helped me become a better person and partner and what I learned in the second did even more of the same-and helped save my marriage. But you have to be open to recognizing your patterns, changing your behaviors, and listening. I think the four couples focused on are all very compelling. Personally, I liked DeSean and Elaine best because their issues were so relatable, but Mau and Annie are enigmatic and fascinating. I also liked this show because it really represents contemporary people in NYC very well: therapy is not for the rich, it is for everyone. The therapist is very good and I enjoyed seeing her discuss her concerns with her mentor. There were a lot of surprises with how things turned out with the couples. This is as real as it gets and it was a pleasure watching some of the individuals have moments of clarity in their sessions because that's how it happens in therapy. Sometimes you just see the light and realize something crucial. Loved this show and I hope it comes back.

Fascinating to watch. We can all identify with some of the issues discussed. Orna is phenomenal and it's beautiful to see how some of these couples commit to freeing themselves from all the resentment, learning (and being willing) to change and compromise in order to find happiness again. It also shows what sessions are like from the therapist's perspective as we get to see Orna in session with her own counselor. A must watch.