25 Couples Therapy Exercises You Can Try at Home
Last night, my husband and I sat on opposite ends of the couch. The TV was on. Neither of us was watching it. We hadn't really talked—I mean really talked—in days.
Sound familiar?
If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. Most couples hit rough patches. Life gets busy. Connection fades. And before you know it, you're living like roommates instead of partners.
The good news? You don't need to spend thousands on therapy to start fixing things today.
These 25 couples therapy exercises are the same ones therapists use in real sessions. They work on communication, trust, intimacy, and conflict resolution. And they're completely free.
Whether you can't afford couples therapy right now, want to add to your current sessions, or just want to keep your relationship strong—these exercises can help.
Prefer doing exercises on your phone? Try the free Relationship Check-In App for guided conversations you can do anywhere.
📋 Key Takeaways
Do Couples Therapy Exercises Actually Work at Home?
Here's something that might surprise you.
Research from The Gottman Institute shows that couples who practice relationship skills at home see real changes in their connection. You don't need a therapist in the room for the exercises to work.
Think about it like going to the gym. A trainer can teach you the moves. But you still have to do the reps yourself. The same is true for your relationship.
A study in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that couples who did "homework" between therapy sessions improved 50% faster than those who didn't.
What Research Says About At-Home Relationship Work
50%
faster improvement with homework
70%
of couples see positive results
15
minutes daily makes a difference
Sources: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, The Gottman Institute
That said, some situations do need professional help. If there's abuse, addiction, or severe mental health issues involved, please reach out to a licensed therapist. These exercises support your relationship—they don't replace professional care when it's truly needed.
Communication Exercises for Couples
Communication problems are the #1 reason couples seek therapy. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy reports that communication issues show up in nearly every struggling relationship.
But here's the thing—most of us were never taught how to communicate well. We learned from our parents, movies, and trial and error. No wonder we struggle.
These couples therapy exercises for communication will help you actually hear each other again.
Exercises 1-6
Communication Exercises
Learn to actually hear each other again
Exercise 1: The Speaker-Listener Technique
This exercise comes straight from evidence-based couples therapy. One person speaks. The other listens. Then you switch.
Time needed: 10-15 minutes
How to do it:
Pick a topic that's been causing tension (start small—not your biggest fight)
The "speaker" holds an object (a pen, a remote, anything) that shows they have the floor
The speaker shares their thoughts using "I feel" statements
The listener stays quiet and makes eye contact
When the speaker finishes, the listener summarizes what they heard
The speaker confirms if they got it right
Switch roles
Why it works: This exercise stops the interrupting and defending that kills most conversations. When you know you'll get a turn, you can actually listen.
🎯 The Speaker-Listener Flow
Exercise 2: The 10-Minute Daily Check-In
Many couples stop talking about anything real. You discuss kids, bills, and what's for dinner. But you never talk about how you're actually doing.
This simple exercise fixes that.
Time needed: 10 minutes daily
How to do it:
Set a time each day (many couples like after kids' bedtime)
Put away all phones and screens
Each person gets 5 minutes to share how they're feeling
The other person just listens—no fixing, no advice
End with something you appreciate about each other
Why it works: Daily check-ins prevent small issues from becoming big fights. They keep you connected even during busy seasons.
For more conversation ideas, check out our guide to achieving open and honest communication.
Exercise 3: Love Maps (Gottman Method)
Dr. John Gottman coined the term "Love Maps." It means knowing your partner's inner world—their dreams, fears, stresses, and joys.
Most couples think they know each other well. But life changes fast. Do you really know what's weighing on your partner right now?
Time needed: 15-20 minutes
How to do it:
Take turns asking questions about each other's life
Try questions like: "What's your biggest worry right now?" or "What's something you're excited about?"
Listen without judgment
The goal is curiosity, not interrogation
Why it works: Couples with detailed Love Maps handle stress better and feel more connected. You can't support someone you don't understand.
💜 Love Map Questions to Try Tonight
"What's the biggest thing weighing on your mind right now?"
"What's something you're secretly excited about?"
"What's one thing I could do this week to support you?"
"What does your ideal weekend look like?"
"What's something you wish we did more of together?"
"What's a goal you have that I might not know about?"
Want 50 more questions? Get our full list →
Exercise 4: The Appreciation Exercise
When relationships struggle, we start keeping score of what our partner does wrong. We stop noticing the good stuff.
This exercise rewires your brain to notice the positive again.
Time needed: 2 minutes daily
How to do it:
Each day, tell your partner one specific thing you appreciate about them
Be specific—not "you're great" but "I loved how you made me coffee this morning without me asking"
Say it out loud, text it, or write a note
Do this every single day for 30 days
Why it works: Research published by the American Psychological Association shows that couples who express daily appreciation report higher relationship satisfaction. Gratitude literally changes your brain.
🌟
30-Day Appreciation Challenge
One specific appreciation per day for 30 days
The Rules:
Research shows this literally rewires your brain to notice the positive.
Exercise 5: The Weekly State of the Union
Many couples wait until problems explode before addressing them. This exercise creates space to talk about your relationship on purpose—before things get bad.
Time needed: 30-60 minutes weekly
How to do it:
Schedule 30-60 minutes each week (Sunday evenings work well)
Start with appreciations—share 5 things your partner did that you noticed this week
Discuss one thing that could be better (just one—don't pile on)
End with something you're looking forward to together
Why it works: Regular check-ins keep small problems small. They also give you dedicated time to celebrate wins.
Want 50 conversation starters for your check-ins? See our relationship check-in questions guide.
📅 Your Weekly State of the Union Agenda
Block 30-60 minutes every week (Sunday evenings work great)
Appreciations
Each share 5 things you noticed your partner do this week
One Thing to Improve
Discuss ONE area that could be better (don't pile on)
Looking Ahead
Share something you're looking forward to together
Exercise 6: Nonverbal Connection
Sometimes words get in the way. This exercise uses touch and eye contact to reconnect without speaking.
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to do it:
Sit facing each other, knees touching
Hold hands and make eye contact
Stay silent for 3-5 minutes
Focus on your breath and your connection
Afterward, share how it felt
Why it works: Eye contact releases oxytocin—the bonding hormone. This exercise creates intimacy without the pressure of finding the right words.
5 Communication Rules That Save Relationships
Trust-Building Exercises for Couples
Trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship. Without it, everything else falls apart.
Whether trust was broken by infidelity, dishonesty, or just years of small disappointments—it can be rebuilt. But trust isn't rebuilt with words. It's rebuilt with consistent actions over time.
These couples therapy exercises for trust will help.
Exercises 7-11
Trust-Building Exercises
Rebuild what's been broken, one action at a time
Exercise 7: The Transparency Check-In
When trust has been damaged, secrecy becomes the enemy. This exercise creates healthy openness without becoming controlling.
Time needed: 5 minutes daily
How to do it:
Each day, share something about your day your partner wouldn't otherwise know
It doesn't have to be big—"I had a hard conversation with my boss" or "I grabbed lunch with a coworker"
The goal is to create a habit of openness
The listening partner says "thank you for sharing" without interrogating
Why it works: Small acts of transparency add up. They prove that you have nothing to hide and rebuild safety over time.
Exercise 8: Follow-Through Tracking
Trust erodes when we say we'll do things and then don't. This exercise makes your commitments visible.
Time needed: 5 minutes to set up, weekly review
How to do it:
Each week, make 2-3 small commitments to your partner
Write them down where you'll both see them
At week's end, review together—did you follow through?
Celebrate the wins. Discuss what got in the way of the misses.
Why it works: Trust is built in small moments. When you consistently do what you say you'll do, your partner learns they can count on you.
⏱️ The Trust Rebuilding Timeline
Week 1-2: Awareness
Acknowledge what happened. Create space for honesty.
Month 1-3: Small Consistent Actions
Daily transparency. Follow through on small promises.
Month 3-6: Deeper Vulnerability
Share fears and needs. Repair conversations after conflict.
Month 6-24: New Foundation
Trust becomes the new normal. Maintenance mode.
Remember: Trust is rebuilt in small moments, not grand gestures.
Exercise 9: Vulnerability Sharing
Trust deepens when we share our inner world—especially the parts we're not proud of.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
How to do it:
Take turns sharing something you've never told anyone
It could be a fear, a shame, a regret, or a dream
The listener responds only with empathy—no fixing, no judgment
End by thanking each other for the trust
Why it works: Vulnerability creates connection. When your partner sees your imperfect parts and still loves you, trust grows.
If trust was broken by infidelity, our guide on healing after infidelity through couples therapy goes deeper into this process.
Exercise 10: The Repair Conversation
When conflict happens, couples need a way to repair. This exercise creates a structure for those conversations.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
How to do it:
Wait until you're both calm (at least 20 minutes after a fight)
Person A shares how they felt during the conflict (not what the other person did wrong)
Person B reflects back what they heard
Person B shares their experience
Person A reflects back
Both discuss what you could do differently next time
End with a physical reconnection—a hug, holding hands
Why it works: Repair attempts are what separate happy couples from unhappy ones. This structure makes repair possible even after hard fights.
🔄 The Repair Conversation Formula
Use this AFTER you've both calmed down (wait at least 20 minutes)
Person A shares feelings
"During that argument, I felt..." (not what they did wrong)
Person B reflects back
"What I heard you say was..."
Switch roles
Person B shares, Person A reflects
Discuss what to do differently
"Next time, I could..." "It would help if..."
Physical reconnection
A hug, holding hands, or a kiss to seal the repair
Exercise 11: The Trust Fall Conversation
This isn't the physical trust fall. It's asking the scary questions out loud.
Time needed: 15-20 minutes
How to do it:
Take turns asking and answering these questions:
"What do you need from me to feel safe in this relationship?"
"Is there anything you're afraid to tell me?"
"What can I do to help you trust me more?"
Why it works: Sometimes the questions we're afraid to ask are the ones that matter most. This exercise creates space for honesty.
💚
Trust Fall Questions
Take turns asking and answering honestly
"What do you need from me to feel safe in this relationship?"
"Is there anything you're afraid to tell me?"
"What can I do to help you trust me more?"
Intimacy-Building Exercises for Couples
When we hear "intimacy," most of us think about sex. But intimacy is much bigger than that. It's emotional closeness. It's feeling known. It's the comfort of being truly seen by another person.
Many couples lose this over time. Kids, jobs, stress—they all crowd out intimacy.
These exercises bring it back.
Exercises 12-17
Intimacy-Building Exercises
Reconnect on every level—not just physical
The 5 Types of Intimacy in Healthy Relationships
💜 Emotional Intimacy
Sharing feelings, fears, and dreams with each other
💕 Physical Intimacy
Touch, affection, and sexual connection
🧠 Intellectual Intimacy
Discussing ideas, beliefs, and opinions openly
🎯 Experiential Intimacy
Creating memories and sharing activities together
✨ Spiritual Intimacy
Connecting through shared values, purpose, and meaning
Exercise 12: The 6-Second Kiss
Dr. Gottman recommends a 6-second kiss when you leave and return home each day. Why 6 seconds? Because it's long enough to be meaningful but short enough to actually do.
Time needed: 6 seconds (twice daily)
How to do it:
Every time you leave or return home, stop and kiss for at least 6 seconds
Yes, count in your head if you need to
Be present—don't think about your to-do list
Do this every single day
Why it works: A 6-second kiss is long enough to create a moment of connection. It takes 12 seconds total out of your day. And it makes a huge difference.
Exercise 13: Physical Touch Without Expectation
Many couples only touch when sex is the goal. This creates pressure and disconnection.
Time needed: 15-20 minutes
How to do it:
Schedule 15-20 minutes
One partner lies down comfortably
The other provides non-sexual touch—back rubs, playing with hair, holding hands
No talking required
Switch halfway through
The rule: this doesn't lead to sex. It's just about connection.
Why it works: Non-sexual touch rebuilds physical intimacy without pressure. It reminds your body that touch can just be comforting.
For more on this topic, read our article on sex, intimacy, and connection.
💆 Non-Sexual Touch Ideas
Remember: This is about connection, not leading to anything else
🖐️
Hand massage
💇
Playing with hair
🦶
Foot rub
🤲
Back scratch
🫂
Long hug
🛋️
Cuddle on couch
Exercise 14: Dream Sharing
When was the last time you talked about your dreams with your partner? Not goals—dreams. The wild, maybe-unrealistic things you secretly want.
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to do it:
Set aside 30 minutes without distractions
Take turns answering: "If money and practicality weren't issues, what would you want your life to look like in 5 years?"
Listen without judgment or practical concerns
Ask follow-up questions to understand more
Don't try to make plans—just dream together
Why it works: Sharing dreams creates emotional intimacy. It shows your partner the real you—not just the practical, day-to-day you.
Exercise 15: Sensory Exploration
This exercise wakes up your senses and creates playful intimacy.
Time needed: 15-20 minutes
How to do it:
One partner closes their eyes or wears a blindfold
The other partner provides different sensory experiences—a taste of chocolate, a touch of silk, a scent of perfume
The blindfolded partner guesses what each thing is
Switch roles
Why it works: Play is a form of intimacy many couples forget about. This exercise brings fun back into your relationship.
🎲 Quick Intimacy Boosters (Under 10 Minutes)
6-Second Kiss
Hello and goodbye, every day
Eye Contact Challenge
3 minutes of silent eye gazing
Gratitude Text
Send one specific appreciation
Memory Share
"Remember when we..."
Dream Question
"If you could do anything tomorrow..."
Slow Dance
One song in the kitchen
Exercise 16: The Appreciation Letter
Writing takes more effort than speaking. And that effort communicates something.
Time needed: 30 minutes to write, 15 minutes to share
How to do it:
Each partner writes a letter to the other (handwritten if possible)
Include: what you love about them, a favorite memory together, and hopes for your future
Exchange letters
Read them aloud to each other
Keep the letters somewhere special
Why it works: Written words can be kept and re-read. They become touchstones during hard times.
Learn more about the power of appreciation in our gratitude exercises for couples guide.
Exercise 17: Date Night Redux
Date nights matter. But many couples get stuck in a rut—the same restaurant, the same conversation, the same routine.
Time needed: 2-3 hours
How to do it:
Take turns planning date nights
The rule: you must try something neither of you has done before
It doesn't have to be expensive—a picnic in a new park, cooking a new recipe together, visiting a museum
The goal is novelty
Why it works: Novelty releases dopamine and mimics early relationship feelings. New experiences together create new memories and reignite attraction.
Get more ideas in our article on the importance of date nights in rekindling romance.
Conflict Resolution Exercises for Couples
Here's a secret therapists know: fighting isn't the problem. How you fight is the problem.
Happy couples argue. They disagree. They get frustrated. But they do it in ways that don't damage the relationship.
These couples therapy exercises teach you how to fight fair.
Exercises 18-22
Conflict Resolution Exercises
Learn to fight fair (yes, it's possible)
⚠️ The "Four Horsemen" That Destroy Relationships
The Gottman Institute found these 4 behaviors predict divorce with 94% accuracy
🗡️ Criticism
Attacking your partner's character instead of their behavior
Antidote: Gentle start-up
😤 Contempt
Eye-rolling, sarcasm, name-calling, and mockery
Antidote: Build appreciation
🛡️ Defensiveness
Playing the victim and counter-attacking instead of listening
Antidote: Take responsibility
🧱 Stonewalling
Shutting down, withdrawing, and refusing to engage
Antidote: Self-soothe, then return
Exercise 18: The Timeout Protocol
When emotions run too hot, good communication becomes impossible. Your brain literally can't think straight.
Time needed: 20+ minutes (during conflict)
How to do it:
Agree on a timeout signal in advance (a word or hand gesture)
When either partner uses it, the conversation pauses immediately
Separate for at least 20 minutes (this is how long it takes the brain to calm down)
During the break, do something calming—not ruminating on the argument
Come back together and try again
Why it works: You cannot resolve conflict when flooded with emotion. Timeouts let your nervous system calm down so you can actually think.
The key: timeouts must include a return time. "I need 20 minutes, then let's try again" is different from storming off.
⏸️ The Timeout Protocol
Exercise 19: The Complaint vs. Criticism Shift
Complaints are healthy. Criticisms are toxic. The difference? Complaints focus on behavior. Criticisms attack character.
Time needed: 10-15 minutes to practice
How to do it:
Practice turning criticisms into complaints
Criticism: "You never help around here. You're so lazy."
Complaint: "I felt overwhelmed when the dishes were left in the sink. Can we talk about splitting chores more evenly?"
Take turns practicing this shift with real issues in your relationship
Why it works: Criticisms make your partner defensive. Complaints can actually be heard and addressed.
🔄 Criticism → Complaint Transformation
❌ CRITICISM (attacks character)
"You never help around here. You're so lazy."
✓ COMPLAINT (addresses behavior)
"I felt overwhelmed when the dishes were left in the sink. Can we talk about splitting chores?"
❌ CRITICISM
"You don't care about me. You're always on your phone."
✓ COMPLAINT
"I feel disconnected when we're both on our phones at dinner. Can we try phone-free meals?"
Exercise 20: The Dream Within the Conflict
Gottman Institute research shows that 69% of relationship conflicts are perpetual—meaning they never fully resolve. They come back again and again.
The solution isn't solving them. It's understanding the deeper dreams underneath them.
Time needed: 30-45 minutes
How to do it:
Pick a recurring conflict in your relationship
Take turns sharing: "What does this issue mean to you? Why does it matter so much?"
Listen for the deeper need underneath the surface issue
Ask: "Is there a childhood experience or personal history connected to this?"
The goal isn't agreement—it's understanding
Why it works: Most recurring conflicts are about deeper needs—for respect, security, freedom, or love. When you understand the dream within the conflict, you can honor it even if you disagree.
Exercise 21: The Softened Start-Up
Research shows that 96% of the time, you can predict how a conversation will end based on how it starts.
Time needed: Practice as needed
How to do it:
Start with "I" instead of "you"
Describe what you observe without judgment
Share how you feel
State what you need (not what they should do differently)
Example transformation:
Harsh: "You never spend time with me anymore!"
Soft: "I've been feeling lonely lately. I miss spending time together. Could we plan a date night this week?"
Why it works: A harsh start-up almost always leads to a fight. A soft start-up gives the conversation a chance.
For more strategies, check out our guide on how to resolve conflict in relationships.
🌱 The Soft Start-Up Formula
Start with "I" instead of "You"
Describe what you observe (no judgment)
Share how you feel
State what you need (not what they should do)
❌ Harsh Start-Up
"You never spend time with me anymore!"
✓ Soft Start-Up
"I've been feeling lonely lately. I miss spending time together. Could we plan a date night this week?"
Exercise 22: The Compromise Conversation
Many couples get stuck because both people see compromise as losing.
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to do it:
Each partner draws two circles—one inside the other
In the inner circle, write your core needs that cannot be compromised
In the outer circle, write areas where you can be flexible
Share your circles with each other
Look for overlap in the flexible areas—that's where compromise lives
Why it works: When you know your partner's core needs, you stop asking them to give up what matters most. Compromise becomes possible.
Download our free conflict resolution worksheet for couples to practice this exercise.
Daily Connection Exercises
The exercises above are great for dedicated practice time. But what about everyday life?
These micro-exercises take less than 5 minutes and fit into your normal routine.
Exercises 23-25
Daily Connection Rituals
Micro-moments that fit into everyday life
📅 Your Daily Connection Schedule
🌅
Morning
Morning Ritual
60 seconds of gratitude + 6-second kiss
👋
Goodbye
Leaving Ritual
Kiss + "I love you" + something you're looking forward to
🏠
Reunion
Reunion Ritual
2 minutes of full attention + "How was your day?"
💬
Evening
Stress-Reducing Conversation
15-20 minutes of supportive listening (no advice)
🌙
Bedtime
Nighttime Connection
Express one appreciation + goodnight kiss
Total time: Less than 30 minutes spread throughout the day
Exercise 23: The Morning Ritual
How you start the day together sets the tone for everything.
Time needed: 60 seconds
How to do it:
Before getting out of bed, turn toward your partner
Make eye contact
Share one thing you're grateful for about them or looking forward to today
Kiss (remember the 6-second rule)
Why it works: Morning connection creates a foundation of positivity that carries through the day.
Exercise 24: The Stress-Reducing Conversation
When your partner comes home stressed, most of us try to fix the problem or tell them to calm down. Neither works.
Time needed: 15-20 minutes
How to do it:
Ask: "How was your day?" and actually listen
Don't offer advice unless asked
Show empathy: "That sounds really frustrating"
Take their side (don't play devil's advocate)
Offer physical comfort—a hug, a shoulder rub
Why it works: Your job is to be their support, not their therapist. When you validate instead of fix, your partner feels understood.
Exercise 25: The Reunion Ritual
After time apart—whether it's a workday or a week-long trip—how you reconnect matters.
Time needed: 2-5 minutes
How to do it:
Stop what you're doing when your partner comes home
Give them your full attention for at least 2 minutes
Greet them with physical affection
Ask about their day with genuine curiosity
Share something good from your own day
Why it works: This ritual signals: you matter to me more than whatever I was doing.
📥
Free Couples Therapy Worksheets
Download our therapist-created PDF worksheets to practice these exercises at home.
📱 Prefer an app? Try the free Relationship Check-In App for guided exercises on your phone.
How to Get Started (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
25 exercises can feel like a lot. You don't need to do all of them.
Here's a simple plan:
Week 1: Pick one communication exercise. Do it three times.
Week 2: Add one daily connection exercise (morning ritual or reunion ritual).
Week 3: Based on your biggest struggle, add one exercise from trust, intimacy, or conflict resolution.
Ongoing: Schedule a weekly State of the Union to check in on your relationship.
Remember: consistency beats perfection. Doing something small every day is better than doing something big once a month.
🗓️ Your 4-Week Getting Started Plan
Do it 3 times this week. The Daily Check-In or Speaker-Listener are great starters.
Morning Ritual or Reunion Ritual. Keep doing Week 1's exercise too.
Based on your biggest struggle: Trust, Intimacy, or Conflict Resolution.
Schedule 30-60 minutes weekly to check in on your relationship.
💡 Remember: Consistency beats perfection. Small daily actions > occasional big gestures.
When These Exercises Won't Be Enough
I want to be honest with you.
These exercises can help many couples. But some situations need more than at-home practice.
Consider professional couples therapy if:
There's been infidelity that feels impossible to move past
Communication has completely broken down
You're seriously considering separation or divorce
There's any form of abuse (verbal, emotional, or physical)
Addiction issues are involved
You've tried exercises like these and they're not working
One or both partners have untreated mental health conditions
There's no shame in needing help. Research from the National Council on Family Relations shows that couples therapy is effective for about 70% of couples who try it.
🤝 When to Consider Professional Couples Therapy
These exercises help many couples, but some situations need more support:
There's no shame in needing help. 70% of couples who try therapy see positive results.
What If Your Partner Won't Participate?
Maybe you're reading this alone. Maybe your partner isn't interested in "relationship exercises."
That's frustrating. But it doesn't mean you can't make changes.
Here's the truth: when one person changes in a relationship, the other often responds differently too.
Try these solo approaches:
Start expressing daily appreciation—even if it's not returned at first
Use "I feel" statements in your communication
Practice the softened start-up when bringing up issues
Initiate the 6-second kiss
Suggest date nights with specific plans
Sometimes, when your partner sees you making an effort, they get curious. They might come around.
And if they don't? Individual therapy can help you figure out your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for couples therapy exercises to work?
Most couples notice small changes within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. Bigger shifts typically happen over 2-3 months. The key word is consistent—doing exercises sporadically won't create lasting change.
Can these exercises replace couples therapy?
For mild to moderate relationship issues, often yes. Many couples improve significantly with at-home practice. For more serious problems—infidelity, abuse, severe communication breakdown—professional help is usually needed alongside these exercises.
What if we try an exercise and it turns into a fight?
This happens. It doesn't mean the exercise failed. It means you hit something important. Take a timeout (Exercise 18), calm down, and try again later. If every exercise turns into conflict, that's a sign you might need professional support.
How often should we do these exercises?
Daily connection exercises (morning ritual, 6-second kiss, reunion ritual) should happen daily. Deeper exercises (vulnerability sharing, dream discussions, State of the Union) work best weekly. Trust and intimacy exercises can be done 2-3 times per week.
We're not in crisis. Should we still do these exercises?
Absolutely. These exercises aren't just for struggling couples. They're for any couple who wants to stay connected. Prevention is easier than repair.
Your Relationship Is Worth the Effort
You've read about 25 exercises. That's a lot of information. But information doesn't change relationships. Action does.
So here's what I want you to do: pick one exercise from this list. Just one. And do it today.
Maybe it's the 6-second kiss. Maybe it's telling your partner something you appreciate about them. Maybe it's scheduling your first weekly check-in.
Whatever it is, start there. Then come back to this guide and add more over time.
Your relationship is worth the effort. And these couples therapy exercises are the roadmap.
Want to practice these exercises on your phone? Download the free Relationship Check-In App for guided conversations you can do anywhere, anytime.
📚 Continue Building Your Relationship Skills
Gottman Exercises for Couples: 8 Research-Backed Activities
Dive deeper into techniques from 40 years of relationship research.
50 Relationship Check-In Questions for Deeper Connection
Conversation starters for your weekly State of the Union meetings.
7 Gratitude Exercises for Couples That Transform Relationships
Learn how daily appreciation can rewire your brain for connection.
Common Marriage Problems and Solutions
Understand the most frequent issues couples face and how to address them.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you want to try these exercises on your own or work with a professional, we're here to help.
South Denver Therapy serves Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and the greater Denver metro area.
Kayla is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of South Denver Therapy. She specializes in helping couples reconnect after growing apart, heal from infidelity, and build stronger relationships. With over a decade of experience, she has helped hundreds of couples in Castle Rock and the South Denver area find their way back to each other.
