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Satisfaction
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Clinical psychology based
Couples Therapy

COBEYA: Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling

About

Clinical psychology

Clinical psychology is a field within psychology that teaches practical skills such as psychological testing and counseling, as well as attitudes and behaviors (competencies) for the psychological profession in order to help people with mental problems recover.
Clinical psychology has foundational theories (behavioral, cognitive, systems, etc.). Therapists support clients' recovery by applying appropriate theories to competencies depending on the client's situation.

Couples therapy

Couples therapy is a therapy aimed at improving and repairing problems between partners, such as married couples and opposite-sex or same-sex lovers. While " marriage counseling" is well known in Japan, couples therapy is available to couples in all types of relationships, including dating, engagement, and marriage.
In other countries, couples therapy is used by many couples in the same way as one-on-one counseling.

People who have been in therapy with their partner***
1 / 2
People who felt their mental health improved after therapy****
90%

Taking the couples therapy approach is not just about sorting out the situation between the two of you.
Talking about emotional experiences with trusted others can help people feel connected and secure. Thus, talking itself can alleviate one's own distress. By observing the facts and empathizing with their own and their partner's feelings from such a psychologically safe place, it is easier for the client to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the problem, leading to essential problem solving.

Cases

The following is a list of actual cases that COBEYA has worked on, with the client's approval.

Case 1Unable to have a constructive discussion
Main Complaint
They are unable to have constructive discussions because of the anger they feel when they fight. One of the topics that is difficult for the couple to discuss is whether or not to have children, but they also think that if they continue to be unable to discuss the issue as they are now in the first place, they should consider divorce.
Assessment
At first glance, the couple appears to be close, but there is a psychological distance between them, as they sit far apart in the waiting room. This distance appears to have deepened as they vented their anger at each other through daily fights. Tracing back to the source, it is clear that the wife had been dissatisfied with her husband's busy work schedule since the beginning of their marriage, and it is necessary to deal with this from the emotional point of view at this time.
Number of times
Total of 7 sessions (1 first therapy and 6 couples therapy). The duration is 3 months.
Progress of Therapy
In order to shorten the psychological distance between the couple, the first step was to focus on mutual understanding. As their understanding of each other progressed, after about two months from the start of therapy, their quarrels decreased drastically and they no longer seemed exhausted. In the latter half of the sessions, the theme of the therapy was “whether or not to have children,” which the two had not been able to discuss alone. In the process, their attitude toward divorce changed from “if we can't have constructive discussions, we will divorce,” to “if we have different views on having children, we will divorce.” Although the couple did not come to a conclusion about whether or not to have children during the therapy, they were able to conclude that they had a basis for discussing the issue together.
Points of improvement
Both parties became aware of the emotions (primary emotions) behind the “anger (secondary emotions)” and were able to communicate and accept each other's feelings. They began to sit next to each other in the waiting room.
Case 2Sexlessness and Logical Harassment
Main Complaint
The couple had problems with sexlessness (ED: Erectile Dysfunction only for the wife). The wives often showed unstable behavior, which was caused by their awareness that the cause of the problem might be them and their low self-esteem by nature.
Assessment
The husband's ED was psychogenic ED from a previous unsuccessful experience with sex, and he was also taking medication, which created difficulty and resistance to a more natural flow of sex. It became clear through therapy that the wife's instability was also related to logical harassment by him.
Number of times
Total of 6 sessions (1 first therapy and 5 couples therapy). The duration is 2 months.
Progress of Therapy
Since the initial therapy revealed that she had anxiety about her husband's penetration, she decided to enjoy sex without penetration. By the third therapy session, the couple succeeded in ending their sexless relationship. However, the wife still had low self-esteem, and as the therapy continued, it became clear that the husband's logical communication style was a form of denial to her. We recommended homework to help the husband understand logical harassment, as well as continued positive feedback from the therapist to the wife, and also provided the husband with opportunities to affirm his wife within the therapy.
Points of improvement
The couple's problems with sexlessness improved, and the couple changed to smiling more often during conversations. The husband communicated more respectfully with his wife, and there were more opportunities for emotional and labor feedback such as “I am happy” and “I am grateful”. The wife has learned to self-regulate her anxiety and has increased her use of words of self-affirmation. She now continues monthly therapy sessions as maintenance.
Case 3Use of sex services due to marital stress
Main Complaint
While sexlessness and communication discord were becoming apparent between the couple, the husband's frequent use of sex services was discovered, and the couple's problems worsened in earnest.
Assessment
While the problem of adultery had surfaced, the background to the problem was that the couple was having problems communicating and creating an environment at home. Both spouses were clearly aware of what was problematic, but they did not know how to work together to improve the situation.
Number of times
Total of 9 sessions (1 first therapy, 1 individual therapy each, and 6 couples therapy). The duration is 3 months.
Progress of Therapy
Each couple was given individual therapy and asked about their attachment history. It turned out that the wife had been sexually victimized as a child. She had told her husband about this, and he had found that it had caused him to be reserved about sex between them. It was also found that although the wife thought she understood her husband, in reality they did not communicate sufficiently to deepen their understanding of each other. The husband was aware that he had not talked to his wife much about himself. One factor was that he did not want to be exposed to his wife's frustrations and avoided them. Throughout the therapy, the couple decided to take time once a week to communicate with each other again, and the therapy focused on deepening their mutual understanding.
Points of improvement
Since the end of therapy, there has been no sex service use, and the couple's sex life has improved. The relationship has also improved significantly as mutual understanding has improved considerably through the therapy. It was agreed that it was important to share the schedule, including the prospect of getting busier at work, etc., and to share their current feelings, which they continue to do.
Case 4Blame him for her emotions
Main Complaint
Even though the fight should have been resolved in the past, when the woman recalls the bad feelings she felt at the time, she is flooded with emotions as if she had time-traveled back to that time, and she blames her partner intensely. Unable to control those feelings, she blames him throughout the night, while he has no choice but to appease her. She is also in pain because she understands in her head that it is in the past.
Assessment
Although it was a past struggle, there are still feelings going on for her that have not been sublimated since that time. They need to find the feelings she really wants him to understand.
Number of times
Total of 7 sessions (1 first therapy and 6 couples therapy). The duration is 3 months.
Progress of Therapy
We took an actual interaction between two people and asked them to verbalize what they were feeling at that moment in time and communicate it to their partner. We also found patterns in their interactions and explored ways to break these patterns. During the process of therapy, the number of times she recalled past events decreased, and even when she did recall them, the two of them were able to cope with them together.
Points of improvement
Through the therapy, they learned to know the emotions behind the other person's words and actions and their own anger, and were able to communicate these feelings calmly. Also, they learned how to receive the other person's emotions.
Case 5Fear of abandonment
Main Complaint
Try out and attack the person with whom she has become intimate. She lost an important partner because of this. She would like to correct such habits of her own in future relationships.
Assessment
Because of her relationship with her mother, she has a strong sense of self-denial and believes that she cannot get along with others as her true self. This is most noticeable in her partners, and because it is most painful for her to be rejected as her true self, she intentionally communicates in a way that makes people dislike her.
Number of times
Total of 16 sessions (1 first therapy, 15 individual therapy). The duration is 5 months.
Progress of Therapy
Using a column chart from cognitive-behavioral therapy, the client was asked to organize her automatic thoughts and to disprove them on her own. In between therapy sessions, we asked her to do an automatic thinking task in order to reflect on her own past patterns of behavior. Each session was developed in the form of expanding the conversation while dealing with the task.
Points of improvement
She stated that she was now able to view herself objectively and felt much calmer mentally. The feelings of anxiety she used to feel when thinking about her ex-partner also decreased. She was also able to value her time alone, spending time with friends and family other than her boyfriend, and exploring new communities.
Case 6Relational discord due to MLM activities
Main Complaint
Consultation from a husband who is suffering because his wife has resumed MLM activities. He wants to resolve the miscommunication due to distrust and self-loathing towards his wife. She had been active in MLM in the past, and he had managed to get her to withdraw from it. The shock of being betrayed and the distrust and self-hatred caused by the trauma of the MLM are affecting their communication. He would like to receive therapy to rebuild mutual trust.
Assessment
Aversion to the MLM itself was not the only problem, and treating it as the only central issue may not have worked. It was necessary to fully listen to and deal with the differences in values (economic power, personal connections, future prospects, family image, and marital image) and mutual unfulfillment that lay behind the issue.
Number of times
Total of 18 sessions (1 first therapy, 5 individual therapy, 12 couples therapy). The duration is 8 months.
Progress of Therapy
First, we took time with each of them in individual therapy, and we explored their previous attachments in depth within the work and therapy. We found that each of them had a distinctive upbringing and the values and attitudes that came from their backgrounds, which had considerable influence on their relationship, and this was also used to help them understand each other. We also dealt in therapy with what we wanted to ask of each other and the rules for doing MLM activities. We also suggested that they take time as partners and create opportunities for emotional exchange. Although there were some things that worked and some that did not, and some periods of temporary shock and emotional exhaustion, the relationship gradually began to change.
Points of improvement
The MLM activities themselves have continued. However, both this and their relationship with each other has improved, as their relationship has changed to one in which they are able to calmly discuss marital matters. Due to their mutual upbringing history, they did not have an adequate attachment relationship or an established family image, and the two were in a growth stage as a couple and as a family. In the process, through therapy and a major change in their environment (moving from the city to a rural area), they were able to mutually understand each other's feelings and thoughts.

Benefits

01
96%** Client Satisfaction

COBEYA is a professional couples therapy service, offering therapy based on clinical psychology. We also offer onsite and English-language therapy to meet the diverse needs of our clients, regardless of their professional or social status.

02
Skilled Licensed Psychologists

COBEYA employs only licensed clinical psychologists and licensed psychotherapists (nationally licensed in Japan) who have passed a screening process and provide therapy while adhering to professional ethics, including the handling of personal information. Technical training and appropriateness checks are conducted through regular supervision and study sessions.

03
First Therapy Trial System

98% of COBEYA clients are new to couples therapy. To give you a better idea of what couples therapy is all about, we offer the first session to anyone for a first-time fee and a wide range of sessions from 30 to 75 minutes in length.

04
Proposal after First Therapy

During the first therapy session, the therapist will verbalize the issues between the two of you (problems arising from communication tendencies, etc.) in a way that is easy for both of you to understand, and set goals for the therapy. Based on the agreed-upon goals, after the initial therapy session, the therapist will provide you with a proposal for the next and subsequent therapy sessions.

05
Follow-Up by Message

You may send a brief message to your therapist in the period leading up to your next therapy session. We cannot provide therapy in the message, but you can tell the therapist about any events you would like to share before the next session or any concerns you may have. Depending on the content of the message, the therapist may reply to you.

06
Therapist Neutrality

COBEYA therapists always try to provide therapy from a neutral standpoint. Therefore, we may sometimes make harsh remarks for both of you, which may be very different from when you consult with your family or friends. In order to maintain fairness, we may assign you two different therapists to work with you, or we may work with all four of you together if necessary. Please let your therapist know if this is your preference.

Therapists

Arisa Yoshida

M.Psych

Face to Face

Online

Countries of Work Experience

Canada, Japan

Speciality

Developmental disabilities, Social skills training, Mental illness, Parent-child relationships, Addictions, Cross-cultural counseling, International couples, LGBTQ+, Identity, Anger management, Childcare, Career, Stress management

Message from Therapist

"If you feel that the person you want to understand the most doesn't understand you, please contact us. We can help you repair your relationship through self-understanding and mutual understanding."

Yuko Suzuki

Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist

Online

Countries of Work Experience

U.S., France

Speciality

Trauma, Cross-cultural counseling, Identity, LGBTQ+, Loss experiences, Parent-child relationships, Career

Message from Therapist

"It can be difficult when feeling stuck in a relationship. I am here, together with you, to help learn and understand what's really happening between you and your partner as well as within yourself so that you can start changing how you relate to each other in order to move forward in your lives."

Problem Solving Process

In both couples and individual therapy, the therapist uses competency skills such as assessment and intervention to help the client resolve issues through dialogue. In the process, the client typically follows the following psychological and behavioral processes

01
Self-Recognition
This is the stage of understanding the current situation and environment and correctly identifying the cause of the problem.
02
Self-Confrontation
This is the stage in which people make changes to their previous habits and values and alter their words and actions. This is the period when symptoms such as denial, anger, and depression are most common and felt to be painful. Some people also experience this period for a longer period of time.
03
Self-Acceptance
This is the stage of understanding and acknowledging things as they are, both good and bad, and then accepting everything as it is.
04
Self-Selection / Self-Determination
You will set future goals for solving the problem, either on your own or in cooperation with a partner. In order to facilitate the next implementation steps, we will set up a plan to achieve the goals and make arrangements to achieve them.
05
Commitment / Execution
Take action to achieve your goals. Repeat the process of looking back against the results.

Until self-acceptance is complete, you may experience emotional instability. Please do not hesitate to tell your therapist if you are in distress. Also, the process is not a linear progression; it may go back and forth between back and forth steps.

How to use

01
Confirm schedule
Click on the "Apply for First Therapy" button
to select online or in-person therapy options,
and check the schedule.
02
Fill out information / Payment
After filling out the form, please complete payment
and confirm your reservation.
03
First session
(online or face to face)
After making a reservation, you will receive a session
according to your request.
04
Apply for a plan / Start main session
If you are satisfied with the therapist and the therapy,
please apply for the plan.
You may also choose to have your first session
with a different therapist.

Price

You can choose...
Online
Conducted via video call
Face to Face
To be held at our offices
(Tokyo / Osaka)
Online Price
First Therapy

Online
Couples / Individual Therapy

For those who want to know
the atmosphere of the therapy first.

30 min

¥11,000

or

For those who want to receive
detailed therapy from the first.

60 min

¥19,000

  • The initial price is limited to one session per couple. The same applies if the first session is taken as an individual therapy session.
Subscription
QUICK
Quarterly
¥28,900 / mo
¥86,700 / qtr
Monthly
¥32,300 / mo
Online
Couples Therapy
45 min × 2 / mo
BASIC
Quarterly
¥47,600 / mo
¥142,800 / qtr
Monthly
¥53,200 / mo
Online
Couples Therapy
75 min × 2 / mo
VALUE
Quarterly
¥57,800 / mo
¥173,400 / qtr
Monthly
¥64,600 / mo
Online
Couples Therapy
45 min × 4 / mo
STANDARD
Quarterly
¥40,800 / mo
¥122,400 / qtr
Monthly
¥45,600 / mo
Online
Individual Therapy
45 min × 4 / mo
STANDARD LIGHT
Quarterly
¥32,300 / mo
¥96,900 / qtr
Monthly
¥36,100 / mo
Online
Individual Therapy
75 min × 2 / mo
Pay per Session

Online
Couples Therapy

45 min

¥17,000

Online
Couples Therapy

75 min

¥28,000

Online
Individual Therapy

45 min

¥12,000

Online
Individual Therapy

75 min

¥19,000

Face to Face Price
First Therapy

Face to Face
Couples / Individual Therapy

For those who want to know
the atmosphere of the therapy first.

45 min

¥21,000

or

For those who want to receive
detailed therapy from the first.

75 min

¥30,000

  • The initial price is limited to one session per couple. The same applies if the first session is taken as an individual therapy session.
Subscription
QUICK
Quarterly
¥39,100 / mo
¥117,300 / qtr
Monthly
¥43,700 / mo
Face to Face
Couples Therapy
45 min × 2 / mo
BASIC
Quarterly
¥62,900 / mo
¥188,700 / qtr
Monthly
¥70,300 / mo
Face to Face
Couples Therapy
75 min × 2 / mo
VALUE
Quarterly
¥78,200 / mo
¥234,600 / qtr
Monthly
¥87,400 / mo
Face to Face
Couples Therapy
45 min × 4 / mo
STANDARD
Quarterly
¥61,200 / mo
¥183,600 / qtr
Monthly
¥68,400 / mo
Face to Face
Individual Therapy
45 min × 4 / mo
STANDARD LIGHT
Quarterly
¥47,600 / mo
¥142,800 / qtr
Monthly
¥53,200 / mo
Face to Face
Individual Therapy
75 min × 2 / mo
Pay per Session

Face to Face
Couples Therapy

45 min

¥23,000

Face to Face
Couples Therapy

75 min

¥37,000

Face to Face
Individual Therapy

45 min

¥18,000

Face to Face
Individual Therapy

75 min

¥28,000

  • If you convert online therapy to face to face therapy, there will be an additional charge of 6,000 yen per 45-minute session and 9,000 yen per 75-minute session, including tax.
  • If you convert individual therapy to couples therapy, there will be an additional charge of 5,000 yen per 45-minute session and 9,000 yen per 75-minute session, including tax.
  • It is possible to change face to face therapy to online therapy or couples therapy to individual therapy, but the difference will not be refunded.

We are happy to meet with you on your own

Access

Face to face therapy will take place at the following location. Location details will be provided after the reservation is approved.

Tokyo office
Address

H1O Shiba Koen, 1-8-20 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Access

3 mins walk from Onarimon sta. on the Toei Mita Line
4 mins walk from Shibakoen sta. on the Toei Oedo Line
4 mins walk from Daimon sta. on the Toei Oedo Line / Toei Asakusa Line
9 mins walk from Hamamatsucho sta. on the JR Lines / Tokyo Monorail

office_tokyo

Media Coverage

FAQ

A
The average number of sessions for Couples Therapy is said to be 12. **** In reality, however, it varies greatly depending on the couple's situation and health. Please consult with your therapist to determine the number of sessions you would like to have, and to determine the approximate number of times you would like to have the therapy.
A
It is recommended that you receive it every week or two. If the goal is not to solve a major problem but to maintain a good relationship between the two of you, once a month may be sufficient. Please follow the instructions of your therapist for more details.
A
Possible. Please contact the management team through the questionnaire after the session or by e-mail.
A
Possible. Therapy is available as a one-time plan or as a subscription plan. Subscriptions can also be cancelled at any time.
A
You can choose either online or face to face, online via video call or face to face in Tokyo (Minato-ku).
A
We are sorry that we are unable to provide childcare services, but will be happy to provide information on nearby childcare facilities. Please contact us at least 2 business days prior to the therapy session if you wish to use our service.
A
We request payment by credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. If you would like to use other payment methods, please contact us separately.
A
It is rare for both of couples to be equally positive about therapy from the outset. We welcome you to start out by consulting with us on your own. We will work with you to find out what you need to do to solve the problem and how to get your partner to understand.
A
Subscription cancellations can be made from this page. If you would like to change your plan, please cancel your current plan and then re-subscribe to the plan of preference.

* As of Sep. 2024

** From the company's own survey "Questions on Service Satisfaction" conducted between August and October 2022

*** Source: The State of Marriage Counseling. MidAmerica Nazarene University. Published 2017.https://infographicjournal.com/the-state-of-marriage-counseling/

**** Source: About Marriage and Family Therapists. Aamft.org. Published 2015. https://www.aamft.org/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx