Couples Therapy & Counselling

Couples Therapy in Zurich

A protected space where you can find your way back to each other as a couple – calm, clear and on equal terms.

Arrange an introductory conversation ☏ +41 79 255 64 20

At the beginning of a relationship, much seems self-evident. At some point, appointments, children, professional responsibility and tiredness come between two people. Conversations turn into arrangements, closeness into organisation – and sometimes we ask ourselves: where did we go as a couple?

A relationship crisis often begins quietly. A conversation is avoided, a hurt remains unresolved, a wish is put off again and again. In my couples therapy in Zurich, I create a space where what no longer finds room in everyday life can be spoken again. Together we look at the patterns behind the arguments and, step by step, open up communication that holds.

As a psychologist (University of Zurich) and psychotherapist (FSP), I work on a depth-psychological foundation and integrate mindfulness. What shapes my work is the combination of business and psychology: fifteen years of international leadership experience taught me how strongly pressure, roles and unspoken expectations shape a relationship. This dual perspective helps couples see conflict not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

My couples counselling in Zurich takes place in the practice on Scheuchzerstrasse – or, if you prefer, in the forest through forest bathing, as well as online. You set the pace. The goal is not for one partner to be right, but for your relationship to regain stability, trust and vitality. I warmly invite you to begin this journey together.

Typical concerns in couples therapy

Couples come to me when …

the same argument keeps repeating: Conversations go round in circles, and small triggers lead to the same dispute again and again.
closeness has been lost: You live alongside each other; tenderness and interest in one another have faded.
trust has been shaken: After a hurt or a disappointment it is hard to approach each other again.
everyday life is eating up the relationship: Work, children and financial worries leave hardly any room for the two of you.
a change is coming: Becoming parents, a move, a career change or the children leaving home require you to find each other anew as a couple.
the question is whether you will stay together: You want to clarify calmly whether and how to continue together – or to shape a separation respectfully.

Behind the argument there is often something else

The visible argument may be about housework, the phone or who looks after the children. Underneath there are often far more vulnerable questions: Do you see me? Can I rely on you? Do I matter to you?

Those who feel unheard sometimes get louder. Those who feel attacked withdraw. This creates a cycle in which both try to protect themselves and keep hurting each other in the process. Couples therapy helps to recognise such patterns together – and to look at one’s own part: Which expectations do I leave unspoken? When am I reacting to my partner, and when to earlier experiences?

When persevering makes sense – and when boundaries are needed

Not every difficult phase means the relationship is wrong. But there is a difference between a strenuous time and a relationship in which someone is permanently afraid, humiliated or controlled. In cases of violence or intimidation, protection and a careful individual assessment come first – a joint conversation only helps if the conditions for it are safe.

Couples therapy remains open to different outcomes. It can deepen a relationship, clarify a decision or accompany a respectful separation. What matters is that both partners decide more consciously and understand their needs and boundaries better.

How couples therapy works, step by step

Introductory conversation: You get in touch by phone or email. In the first conversation both of you describe your view, and we clarify whether working together is a good fit. If your partner is still hesitant, you can also start on your own.
Concerns and goals: We set out what should change for both of you. It is not about who is right, but about what your relationship needs.
Joint sessions: At the practice in Zurich, in the forest or online, usually two to three weeks apart. Between sessions you try out new things in everyday life.
Review and closing: We regularly review together where you stand, and we finish when you can once again work things out well between yourselves.

Couples therapy, couples counselling or marriage counselling?

Couples therapy, couples counselling, marriage counselling or relationship coaching: in everyday language the terms are often used interchangeably. What is usually meant is the same concern – getting back into conversation as a couple and finding solutions that work for both.

Whether you are married or not, together for a short time or for decades, makes no difference. As a psychotherapist FSP I accompany couples in every phase of life – in English, German or French.

How I work

I look at professional and private issues together, because in life they constantly influence each other. Pressure to perform, financial worries, exhaustion or a career change affect the partnership. Conversely, an unresolved relationship conflict can tie up a great deal of energy. When children are affected, we also take the impact on the family into account.

My task is to create a setting in which both partners are heard and difficult topics also have room. I address what I notice, ask questions and help you review entrenched points of view. That takes clarity and sensitivity – and sometimes humour too.

Change happens above all between sessions. That is why concrete suggestions can help: starting a conversation differently, expressing a wish without reproach, or interrupting a conflict in time and picking it up again later. The aim is for couples to expand their own possibilities and increasingly be able to help themselves.

Offers & fees

Clear terms – fees in Swiss francs, details in the no-obligation introductory call.

For individuals

Couples therapy

On request

Fees explained in the introductory call

At the practice in Zurich, in the forest or online
Billed directly to you, costs discussed in advance
Not via basic insurance; supplementary insurance depending on policy – recognised as FSP psychotherapist

Starts with a no-obligation introductory call.

Book an introductory call

Frequently asked questions

Do we both have to attend couples therapy?

Usually yes – the relationship is the client. It is possible, however, to start with an individual conversation if your partner is still hesitant. Even when only one person changes, the pattern changes.

How many sessions does couples therapy take?

It varies widely. Many couples feel noticeable relief after three to five sessions; deeper patterns often need eight to fifteen sessions, two to three weeks apart. We regularly review together where you stand.

Why do we argue more on holiday?

High expectations of the time together, unusual closeness and a lack of space to retreat can intensify conflicts that stay below the surface in everyday life. This is common and not a sign that something is fundamentally wrong. But if the same patterns keep repeating, it is worth taking a closer look.

Does health insurance cover the costs?

My practice is for self-paying clients: costs are not billed to compulsory basic health insurance. Depending on your policy, supplementary insurance may contribute to the costs, because I am a recognised psychotherapist FSP (listed in the FSP psyFinder on psychologie.ch). Whether and to what extent you can be reimbursed depends on your insurer and its recognition criteria. Please check this directly with your health insurer before starting therapy.

Contact

Arrange an introductory call

In a first, no-obligation conversation we clarify your concern and whether working together is a good fit. Call me or send a short note – I will get back to you personally.

☏ Call me: +41 79 255 64 20 or write to me nathalie@buschor.biz

What happens next

You write or call.
Short introductory call (approx. 20 min, by phone or online).
If it feels right for both of us, we schedule the first session – in the practice, in the forest or online.

Call me or send me an email – that is how we arrange your appointment.

☏ Call me +41 79 255 64 20 ✉ Send an email nathalie@buschor.biz

No email app at hand? Simply copy:

Please briefly mention your concern and when you can be reached – I will get back to you personally.

🔒 Confidential – your details go to Nathalie Buschor only · Reply usually within 1–2 working days · No obligation

Please do not send confidential health information by email. We will discuss sensitive matters in person.