English Speaking Couples Therapist in Bielefeld and Online
Relationship counselling for expats & international couples • in English or German • Free Intro Call
Hello. I'm Natalie Marby
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Structured, calm and solution-oriented couples therapy for partners who want to understand each other more clearly and improve communication.
Couples therapy in English and German
Are you looking for couples therapy or marriage counselling that combines structure, clarity and emotional understanding?
I’m Natalie Marby, a licensed therapist offering couples therapy in English and German since 2011 — both online and in person in Bielefeld.
I work with couples who want to better understand their relationship dynamics, improve communication and find new ways of relating to each other during difficult or emotionally demanding phases of the relationship.
Having grown up bilingually with a British mother and a German father, I also work with expats and international couples from different cultural backgrounds.
Free introductory call
If this approach resonates with you, you are very welcome to arrange a free 30-minute introductory video or phone call.
How I work with couples
In my work, I support couples in:
- improving communication
- understanding recurring relationship patterns
- reducing conflict and emotional distance
- developing greater clarity, trust and mutual understanding
This often includes exploring how stress, emotional reactions and protective patterns affect the relationship dynamic and the ability to stay connected during difficult moments.
My work combines sructured and solution-oriented approaches with emotional awareness, reflection and respect for each partner's individual pace.
Depending on the situation, I integrate elements from:
- Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT)
- systemic and depth-oriented approaches
- body-aware and reflective approaches
Cognitive-Behavioral and Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy
My work is influenced by both Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), two widely used approaches in modern couples therapy.
CBCT focuses on communication patterns, recurring conflicts and practical ways of changing unhelpful relational dynamics.
EFCT places greater emphasis on emotional connection, attachment patterns and understanding the deeper emotional reactions that arise within the relationship.
In practice, this means that sessions can include both structured, solution-oriented work and a calmer exploration of emotional responses, communication patterns and relationship dynamics.
Couples therapy procedure in detail
Three 90-minute sessions
Most couples I work with initially book three 90-minute sessions. These sessions are designed to create greater clarity around the relationship dynamics, reduce emotional tension and improve communication.
The sessions provide a calm, structured and non-judgmental space in which both partners can better understand themselves, each other and the recurring patterns within the relationship.
The process of the couples therapy typically involves three steps:
First session:
Initial assessment and relationship dynamics
Each partner is given the opportunity to describe their experience of the relationship, express individual needs and share their perspective on the current difficulties.
Together, we begin to explore communication patterns, emotional reactions and recurring conflicts within the relationship dynamic. The first session often already creates greater understanding, emotional clarity and openness between partners.
Each partner receives reflective exercises or practical homework between sessions. In some cases, couples may also receive a joint exercise.
Second session:
Improving communication
The second session focuses on communication and emotional interaction within the relationship.
Using structured approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT), communication psychology and emotionally focused work, we explore how difficult conversations can become calmer, clearer and less reactive.
The aim is not simply to “win” conflicts, but to create more understanding, listening and emotional safety within the relationship.
Between sessions, couples continue to work with practical exercises and communication tasks where helpful.
Third session:
Clarifying goals and next steps
The third session focuses on identifying realistic and meaningful next steps for the relationship.
Together, we explore which changes, boundaries, values or agreements may support the relationship moving forward and which areas may require further attention or reflection.
For many couples, these three sessions already create a strong foundation for continuing the work independently in everyday life. Some couples also decide to continue with further couples sessions or individual therapy.
Session recordings (optional)
If you wish, sessions can be audio recorded for personal use.
Some couples find it helpful to listen to the session again later in their own time, as this often allows important parts of the conversation to be reflected on more calmly and gradually between sessions.
Book a free 30-minute introductory call (video or phone)
If you are considering couples therapy, you are very welcome to get in touch. I offer a free 30-minute introductory video or phone call to explore whether this approach feels like a good fit for your relationship.
During the call, I explain how I work and both partners have the opportunity to ask questions and briefly describe what brings them to couples therapy.
For the introductory call to be helpful, it is important that both partners are willing to participate openly in the conversation.
To arrange the introductory call, you can send me a message via the contact button below or by email: [email protected]
Fees
90 minutes - €240
Three appointments need to be booked and paid in advance (€720).
Please note that as a self-pay practice, sessions are invoiced privately.
FAQs for couples therapy
What if we are not sure whether we want to stay together?
Couples therapy does not require that you already know what decision you want to make about the relationship. Therapy can also help create greater clarity around difficult or uncertain situations.