Personalized, inclusive relationship counseling in New York City
NYC Couples Therapy
Over 8 years of experience as an individual and couples counselor, supporting couples through challenges and transitions
Specialized training in trauma-informed, psychodynamic, sex therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches
Expertise in LGBTQIA+ relationships, intercultural couples, and identity-related concerns
Skilled in navigating intimacy and communication breakdowns
Virtual and in-person availability in New York City
Meet your NYC couples therapist
Lucas Saiter, LMHC
I’m Lucas Saiter, LMHC, a licensed psychotherapist based in New York City. For over eight years, I’ve been dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate challenges, strengthen connection, and create more fulfilling relationships. In my work, I specialize in supporting couples facing communication struggles, intimacy concerns, trust issues, and the impact of life transitions or past trauma.
My approach to couples counseling
In our work together, I’ll bring curiosity and compassion to help you and your partner feel truly heard and understood. I draw from approaches like mindfulness, EFT (Emotionally-Focused Therapy), and Psychodynamic Therapy while also paying attention to the deeper patterns that shape your relationship. My style is collaborative and supportive, with the goal of helping you build trust, improve communication, and feel more connected.
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and intercultural couples, as well as partners navigating big life transitions, intimacy concerns, or the impact of past trauma. We’ll work together to create a space where both of you can show up authentically and move toward the kind of relationship you want.
How to get started
Step 1: Reach Out
The first step is simply getting in touch. You can contact me through my website or by email to share a bit about what you and your partner are looking for in therapy. This helps me understand your needs and answer any initial questions.
Step 2: Schedule a Free Consultation
I offer a free consultation call where we can talk about what brings you to therapy and how I may be able to help. This is also a chance for you to get a feel for my style and decide if it’s the right fit for both of you. Ideally both of you will be on the call, but just one partner also works!
Step 3: Set Up Your First Session
If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session (typically an hour long). During this time, we’ll dive deeper into your relationship goals and start mapping out a plan for our work together.
Step 4: Begin the Journey Together
From there, therapy becomes a collaborative process. I’ll support you and your partner in strengthening your relationship, navigating challenges, and building healthier patterns that last.
Common reasons why couples start counseling
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Many couples come to therapy because conversations often turn into arguments, end in silence, or just simply cause relationship distress. Couples also often report that conversations result in the "same fights." Together, we work on building healthier communication skills so both partners feel heard and understood.
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Changes in emotional or physical closeness are common in relationships. Therapy can help you reconnect, explore underlying concerns, and rebuild intimacy in a way that feels safe and authentic for both of you.
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Infidelity, secrecy, or other relationship trauma can deeply wound a relationship. This is a common reason couples come to therapy, which can be a space to address the pain honestly, rebuild safety, and decide how to move forward together.
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Big changes (like moving, career shifts, or parenthood) can put unexpected strain on a partnership. Therapy offers support in adjusting to these transitions while staying connected as a couple, fostering healthy relationships through challenging circumstances. Whether you're exploring marriage counseling, having children, or sexuality, therapy may help you and your partner intentionally navigate these big changes.
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LGBTQIA+ couples, intercultural partnerships, and relationships with differing values may face unique challenges. I find that creating a safe space to explore these differences can transform a partnership from distance to understanding and connection.
2 highly recommended couples therapists in New York City
Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP)
ICP offers couples therapy through their dedicated program for families and relationships (FACTS). Their therapists are trained in psychodynamic and evidence-based approaches, with many also specializing in areas like trauma, sex therapy, and life transitions. This is a strong option if you’re seeking relational work that integrates both emotional depth and practical tools. They also offer sliding scale and low fee options.
Ackerman Institute for the Family
The Ackerman Institute is one of New York’s most well-known centers for couples and family therapy. They provide therapy at various fee levels and are especially known for their expertise in relational dynamics, cultural considerations, and systemic approaches. This is a great resource if you’re looking for a well-established institute with a focus on diverse family and couple experiences.
FAQs about couples counseling
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Research consistently shows that around 70% of couples experience meaningful improvement through therapy. A comprehensive review by Lebow and colleagues found that couples therapy positively impacts approximately 70% of couples receiving treatment (effectiveness comparable to or better) than individual therapy, and significantly better than no treatment at all.
As a therapist, I’ve seen couples move from frequent conflict to mutual understanding, rebuild trust after betrayal, or rekindle emotional and physical intimacy. Even when reconciliation isn’t the final outcome, therapy empowers individuals to make informed choices, communicate more compassionately, and grow (whether together or apart).
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Most therapists agree that there’s no single “best” form of couples therapy for everyone. Different modalities work for different couples and challenges.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Grounded in attachment theory, EFT helps partners reform emotional bonds by identifying and responding to each other’s deeper attachment needs. Research also finds EFT leads to significant improvements in secure attachment, communication, and relationship satisfaction when compared to no treatment.
Gottman Method: Grounded in the Sound Relationship House theory, this approach emphasizes friendship, conflict management, and shared meaning. One controlled study found meaningful gains in marital adjustment and intimacy that endured over time.
Other common approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT), psychodynamic, systemic, and sex therapy models. Each has unique strengths and fits different couples and concerns in distinct ways.
I employ a combination of EFT, relational therapy, mindfulness, and psychodynamic insights tailored to your relationship’s rhythm. My focus is on emotional connection, communication, and healing, while also exploring deeper relational patterns with psychodynamic awareness. This flexible, collaborative approach allows therapy to meet your needs right where you are and promote secure relationships.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all type of couples therapist. The right fit depends on your needs, preferences, and goals. Couples therapy can be provided by different licensed professionals such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs). Each brings a slightly different training background, but all are qualified to help couples work through relational challenges. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over eight years of experience. My training is trauma-informed, with particular expertise in LGBTQIA+ and intercultural relationships.
That said, credentials are just one piece of the puzzle. Finding the “right” therapist often comes down to personal fit and whether you feel comfortable, understood, and supported in sessions. The therapeutic relationship itself is one of the strongest predictors of success in couples therapy. So while professional training matters, what matters most is finding someone whose style and approach align with what you and your partner need to move forward together.
Start couples therapy in New York City today
Every couple deserves the chance to feel more connected, supported, and understood. My mission is to help partners strengthen their bond, navigate challenges with compassion, and create a relationship that feels both authentic and resilient. Using a collaborative and trauma-informed approach, I draw from methods like mindfulness, EFT, and psychodynamic therapy to help you build trust, improve communication, and reconnect in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re struggling with conflict, intimacy, or life transitions, couples therapy offers a safe space where both partners can be heard and work together toward lasting change. My role is to guide and support you with curiosity, warmth, and practical tools that fit your unique relationship.
If you’re seeking couples therapy and ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out today to schedule a free consultation.