Couples Therapy in NYC & New York for Deeper Connection

At Aspire Psychotherapy, we believe every couple deserves the chance to build a healthy relationship and feel supported through life’s challenges. Our licensed couples therapists in NYC provide both in-person couples therapy on the Upper East Side and teletherapy across New York and New Jersey. Whether you’re seeking marriage counseling, premarital counseling, or want to reconnect with your partner, our goal is to help couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen intimacy.

Evidence-Based Care

EFT & Gottman For Couples

Inclusive & Affirming

LGBTQIA+, Multilingual Therapists

Accessible

No Waitlist, In-Person & Virtual

Why Couples in NYC Seek Therapy

Many couples decide to seek couples therapy when they feel distant, overwhelmed, or stuck in repeated conflicts. Common reasons include frequent arguments, communication breakdowns, emotional distance, parenting struggles, and even infidelity. Others come to us proactively for pre-marriage counseling or to explore relationship issues before they escalate.

No matter your situation, couples therapy can help. Our couples counselors and marriage counselors provide a structured, supportive environment to slow down, understand each other, and work toward greater relationship satisfaction.

  • Communication problems, arguments, and feeling misunderstood

  • Intimacy issues and ways to deepen intimacy

  • Rebuilding trust after infidelity or secrecy

  • Managing conflict in parenting, finances, or life transitions

  • Supporting married couples navigating stress or relationship distress

Common Relationship Issues Couples Face

  • Premarital and pre-marriage counseling for couples preparing for long-term commitment

  • LGBTQIA+ couples therapy and affirming care for gay couples

  • Coping with external stressors such as illness, fertility challenges, or caregiving

  • The treatment of trauma, anxiety, or other mental health concerns impacting the relationship

Our Approach to Couples & Relationship Counseling

When a couple comes to therapy, it’s common to feel nervous or uncertain. You may worry about being blamed, about one partner not participating, or that the relationship is “too far gone.” Therapy is often most effective when both partners agree to explore change together.

Our approach is rooted in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, two evidence-based models shown to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and increase closeness. We also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, and other methods for the treatment of trauma and emotional injuries that affect couples.

Because every couple is unique, we tailor our psychotherapy services to the needs of each relationship. Some couples arrive in crisis, while others simply want to strengthen their bond. We offer individual and couples therapy, as well as individual therapy for folks seeking additional support alongside relationship therapy.

Couples Therapy for All Identities & Relationships

Our couples therapists work with partners across all identities, orientations, and relationship styles. We welcome LGBTQIA+ partners, and have specific expertise in supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking affirming care. Our team includes openly LGBTQ therapists who understand the unique experiences of the community and provide a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth.

We also specialize in polyamorous relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-affirming support. Whether you’re navigating boundaries, communication, or sex within nontraditional relationship structures, our therapists provide compassionate, nonjudgmental guidance tailored to your values.

From monogamous couples to those exploring BDSM- and kink-affirming therapy, from intercultural relationships to long-term partnerships, we honor the diversity of love and connection in New York. We recognize the pressures couples face in a fast-paced city — whether you live in Lower Manhattan or elsewhere in the metro area — and we provide flexible options including sliding scale therapy sessions, in-person couples therapy, and teletherapy across New York and New Jersey.

Meet Our Clinical Directors

Aspire Psychotherapy is led by Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., licensed psychologist, and Brie Scolaro, LCSW and clinical social worker. Each psychotherapist brings years of experience in individual and couples therapy, with advanced training in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning. Our full team of therapists in New York is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based counseling and therapy for both individuals and couples.

Dr. Anya Scolaro, licensed psychologist in NYC, Manhattan therapist and UES therapist.

Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. (she/her), Clinical Director

Dr. Scolaro is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of Aspire. Her approach to therapy focuses on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and anxiety, OCD and ADHD. With her extensive training in diagnosis, assessment and treatment planning, Dr. Scolaro meets with each new patient to personally match you with a clinician on our team. She offers services for individuals, couples, and families. Her therapeutic approach is non-judgmental and client-centered, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Dr. Scolaro is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered and achieve self-acceptance, utilizing evidence-based practices.

Brie Scolaro, LCSW CBT therapist for anxiety in NYC, Manhattan, UES at Aspire Psychotherapy

Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them), Co-Director

Brie is a nonbinary identified clinical social worker and the Co-Director of Aspire. They specialize in action-focused, behavioral therapies for perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure, executive function, ADHD and more. With extensive experience in therapy for anxiety, goal-setting and life transitions. Brie understands the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, including diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. They are dedicated to creating a judgment-free environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Brie also offers therapeutic services like biofeedback therapy for emotional regulation and sports psychology for athletes, ensuring everyone finds the right therapist for their journey.

Starting Couples Therapy

Your first session is a chance to explore your story, share your goals, and get matched with the right therapist for you. From the beginning, we create a safe space where both partners feel heard, respected, and supported. We’ll guide you through structured treatment plans that help address conflict, restore connection, and strengthen your bond.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to book a virtual intake or request a free consult. Whether you’re starting couples counseling NYC for the first time, or searching for the best couples therapy to rebuild your connection, we are here to provide the professional help you deserve.

What Our Clients Say

After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety free life without using medication.
— Past Client
I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.
— Past Client
Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life
— Past Client

Explore Therapy & Support Options

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Office Locations in NYC and the Hudson Valley

We offer telehealth and hybrid therapy sessions at two locations in New York State. Reach out today to schedule your intake appointment and start seeing your therapist remotely or in-person.

Map showing Aspire Psychotherapy’s Upper East Side office location in Manhattan, New York.

Upper East Side Office - Manhattan

312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028

Map showing Aspire Psychotherapy’s Stone Ridge office location in Ulster County, New York

Hudson Valley Office - Stone Ridge

Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Still Not Sure or Have Questions?

Check out our Getting Started Guide to read through our FAQs and learn more about our therapist matching process.