Couples and Relationship Counseling

Does couples counseling increase relationship Intimacy?

Couples counseling and marriage therapy absolutely increase relationship intimacy if both individuals are interested, motivated, and open to new ideas about improving their relationship. Couples present for marriage counseling for many different reasons; unfortunately, they rarely initiate participation in this type of therapy to enhance their relationship. In fact, when I see people individually for therapy or coaching, they often talk about bringing in their spouse to work on enhancing their relationship. Despite our many conversations about this goal, it rarely happens.

It is unfortunate that we typically wait for a relationship crisis before we seek professional help. Fortunately, one of the main goals of couples therapy is to improve relationship intimacy. Our marital relationship is the most important relationship that we have, as it is one that we chose and one that needs to be nurtured through the lifespan. When we don’t nurture that relationship, troubles arise. When intimacy is lost, trouble begins to take shape as our relationship is more vulnerable to outside influences and the strain of everyday life. When we maintain an intimate close bond with our partner, we are much better able to weather the stress of life and our relationship remains strong and secure; we are emotionally full and we do not welcome the advances of others or make advances ourselves toward others. Men and women are bonding creatures and need closeness. For a relationship to work and be successful, our greatest bond needs to be with our spouse or chosen partner. Further, when we have a safe and secure bond with our partner, we can live a much fuller and happier life.

Again, relationship intimacy is key to having a successful marriage and a happy life, and one of the most important goals of couples counseling is enhancing intimacy whether it is a sense of emotional closeness and security or improved sexual connection.

In order to improve intimacy in couples counseling, Gottman methods, emotionally-focused therapy exercises, and solution-focused strategies are utilized by the relationship experts at D’Arienzo Psychological Group. These are tried and true methods that truly do improve marriages and enhance intimacy.

Please contact us at 904-379-8094 for assistance in improving relationship intimacy in your marriage. We are ready to serve you today in Jacksonville or across the country by Skype or by telephone.

D’Arienzo Psychology Blog

ASIS International GSX Speaker 2026 Setting the Standard for Armed Guard Evaluations

Featured Speaking Engagement Dr. D’Arienzo to Speak at GSX 2026 Setting the Standard for Armed Guard Psychological Evaluations Press Release: Dr. D’Arienzo will be speaking at GSX 2026 about setting a standard for armed guard psychological evaluations. See him in Atlanta, Georgia at the conference in September 2026.

Learn More

Prescription Privileges for Specially Trained Psychologists

Psychologists are scientist-practitioners relying on real evidence and science when treating and evaluating patients. Adding to this training model, I want to share something I’m genuinely excited about that is both a personal and professional milestone that reflects my commitment to the evolving profession of psychology and expands what I hope to one day be able to offer patients in Florida.

In May 2026, I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Postdoctoral Master’s Program in Clinical Psychopharmacology, an American Psychological Association’s (APA) designated program that prepares licensed psychologists for prescriptive authority in states where it is permitted. More recently (July 2026), I passed the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP). The PEP is the national exam required for psychologists to pass who want to prescribe. It is an arduous test covering topics from clinical medicine, neuroscience, laboratory interpretation, general pharmacology to psychopharmacology. Passing it marks another real step forward in building advanced competency in this area. I worked my tail off to complete the program and pass the PEP while running our business, remaining active in the community and with my family, and seeing patients over the last two and a half years. My next step with psychopharmacology is to gain authority to prescribe in Louisiana and New Mexico. I will keep you updated.

Learn More

Shark Week 2026

Tune in to Discovery Channel’s Shark Week on July 31, 2026 and see me, Dr. D’Arienzo, successfully treat someone suffering from Galeophobia (shark phobia) through systematic desensitization and prolonged exposure. It was an experience of a lifetime going to Marathon Key and Islamorada with Shark Week producers to be part of this series. It’s important for the public to understand that shark phobias among other phobias are common and treatable. Physical and emotional rewiring occurs with prolonged exposure coupled with acquiring the right skills (diaphragmatic breathing, positive self talk, and suspending judgement) and with the right guidance (a psychologist-led process). What an honor it was to assist in helping this individual gain the ability to now comfortably bring his family to the beach for beach vacations and to resolve his greatest fear. It was three days of intensely committed work for both of us and it was a success!

Learn More