How to Fix a Broken Relationship: 10 Tips From Dr. Harel Papikian

Relationships aren’t perfect. Even the strongest bonds face occasional challenges. When your relationship feels off , you might wonder, ‘How do you fix a broken relationship?’ With effort and care, many relationships can heal and grow stronger.

Fixing a relationship means learning new ways to connect and communicate. According to ElectroIQ, 66 percent of insured individuals use some form of virtual healthcare, including online therapy, making it easier than ever to seek help.

Here are 10 practical tips from Dr. Harel Papikian, a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the best marriage and couples therapists in Los Angeles, with over 15 years of experience working with diverse couples, including those from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Dr. Harel helps couples rebuild trust, closeness, and lasting love through compassionate, evidence-based methods. 

Understand What Broke the Relationship

Before you can fix anything, you need to understand what caused the damage. Was it poor communication, broken trust, unmet needs, or external pressures like work or family? Sometimes, couples blame each other without really seeing the root causes. Try to identify patterns or specific events that hurt your connection. Make an effort to dig deeper and go beyond the obvious. If you are unsure, use Dr. Harel’s PMR Framework to have a deeper conversation with your partner.

Open Up Honest Communication

Communication is more than just talking — it’s about listening, understanding, and being willing to go beyond your own vantage point . When asking yourself how to fix a broken relationship, one of the key answers is to create space for honest dialogue.

Set aside time without distractions to talk about what’s on your mind. Use “I” statements and describe your own experience. For example – When X happened, it meant to me Y, and it made me feel Z.  This helps reduce defensiveness and encourages empathy. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks if conversations get too heated, but agree to return and continue the talk later. You can also use the PMR Framework by Dr. Harel as a way to have a dialogue in the relationship.

 

Rebuild Trust Slowly and Intentionally

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. When it’s broken, fixing it requires patience and small, consistent actions. Promises kept, transparency, and showing respect for boundaries help rebuild safety.

Trust doesn’t return overnight, so be patient with your partner and with yourself. Celebrate small wins, like following through on commitments or checking in regularly. This steady effort signals to each other that you are reliable and care deeply.

 

Rediscover Emotional Connection

Many couples lose touch with their feelings of love and care during difficult times. The feeling of being distant or alone can make the relationship seem hopeless. To repair this, focus on creating moments that foster closeness.

Explore each other’s love languages – there are plenty of questionnaires online to help you do that, and make an effort to speak your partner’s love language to show your love and care for them. Play couples emotional intimacy games such as that by Esther Perel – Where Should We Begin?, remember what helped you feel connected in the beginning of the relationship and do a version of it again. Help each other remember what made you fall in love. 

 

Learn to Manage Conflict Differently

Arguments are natural, but how you handle them makes all the difference. Instead of repeating old fights, try new ways of dealing with conflict.

Avoid blaming or name-calling. Focus on the issue, not the person. Take turns speaking and listening actively. If emotions run high, pause and take a few deep breaths. When you return to the conversation, ask yourself and your partner, “What do we need here?”

Changing the way you fight can transform tension into understanding.

 

Set Shared Goals for the Future

Fixing a relationship isn’t only about healing the past — it’s about building a future together. Couples who create shared goals feel more connected and motivated.

Talk about what you both want in your relationship, whether it’s improving communication, spending more quality time, or planning a life change. Setting clear, realistic goals helps you work as a team and gives your relationship direction.

 

Acknowledge and Respect Differences

No two people are exactly alike. Sometimes relationship problems arise when differences feel like barriers rather than strengths. Learning to honor each other’s unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving is essential.

When you recognize that your partner’s needs or reactions may differ from yours, it becomes easier to respond with kindness instead of frustration. This respect creates a safer space where both of you can be yourselves.

 

Practice Forgiveness and Let Go of Grudges

Holding on to resentment or past hurts keeps relationships stuck. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing what happened — it means choosing to release the hold those events have on your emotions.

This can be hard, but forgiving your partner and yourself opens the door to healing. It allows you to move forward without the weight of blame or anger dragging you down.

 

Rebuild Physical and Emotional Intimacy

Intimacy goes beyond physical closeness. It’s about feeling safe, desired, and connected with your partner. When a relationship feels broken, intimacy often suffers.

Take time to rediscover what makes you feel close and cared for. It might be holding hands during a video call, sharing a favorite song, or simply expressing appreciation for each other. These small gestures create a bridge back to deeper intimacy.

 

Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

Sometimes, couples struggle to fix things alone. Asking for help takes courage. Therapy offers a safe  space for both partners to speak openly without judgment. Dr. Harel Papikian is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in couples and relationships. His work focuses on resolving relational conflict, rebuilding trust, improving communication, and deepening emotional connection.

 

Rebuild and Renew: Dr. Harel’s Guide to Fixing Broken Relationships

How do you fix a broken relationship once it feels like everything is falling apart? Dr. Harel Papikian, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, offers compassionate guidance for couples facing their toughest challenges. With great experience in helping couples from diverse backgrounds, he understands the unique complexities of today’s relationships.

Dr. Harel’s approach combines practical tools and emotional insight to help couples reconnect and grow, whether they’re dating, married, or navigating long-distance challenges. A key part of his work is the ARM method—a thoughtful, three-step process designed to help couples heal and rebuild trust together.

 

Through the ARM method, couples are guided to:

 • Awareness: Recognize current feelings and struggles and how past experiences shape them, learning to manage tough emotions with calm and resilience.

 • Release: Let go of emotional pain and negative patterns, fostering self-compassion and healthier connections.

 • Mastery: Build confidence and develop skills to face future challenges, keeping their relationship steady and strong.

With flexible online sessions, couples can access help from anywhere, making it easier to work through challenges.

The online couples counseling cost usually falls between $200 and $300 per session. To accommodate different budgets, Dr. Harel offers sliding scale options, making therapy more accessible for couples at various income levels. Under Dr. Harel’s care, even broken relationships can find clarity, healing, and hope.

Healing Broken Relationships: The Path Forward

If you’re thinking, how do you fix a broken relationship? The first step is realizing that challenges don’t have to define your love story. By focusing on understanding, honest communication, and rebuilding trust, you and your partner can grow closer.

Whether trying these tips on your own or seeking help from a professional like Dr. Harel, choosing to act with intention is key. Real love is resilient and built on commitment. With courage and care, your relationship can heal and grow stronger.

Schedule a session with Dr. Harel today and start rebuilding trust and connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you fix a broken relationship once trust is broken?

Rebuilding trust takes time, patience, and consistent actions. Dr. Harel advises focusing on honest communication, transparency, and small, reliable steps to show commitment. Healing is gradual, but with effort and help, couples can restore safety and connection in their relationship.

2. Can couples counseling save a broken relationship?

Yes, couples counseling can be highly effective. Therapy provides a safe space to explore underlying issues, improve communication, and rebuild emotional bonds. Dr. Harel’s compassionate approach helps couples understand each other better and develop tools to heal and strengthen their relationship.

3.What are the signs that a relationship can be repaired?

Signs include willingness to communicate openly, mutual commitment to change, and respect despite conflicts. When both partners still care deeply and show empathy, it’s a positive indicator that the relationship has a chance to heal and grow stronger.

4.How long does couples therapy take to work?

The length of therapy varies by couple and issues. Some see progress within 8–10 sessions, while others may need longer. Consistency and openness to the process are key. Dr. Harel tailors therapy to meet each couple’s unique needs and goals.

5.What should I expect in online couples counseling sessions?

Online sessions offer convenience and privacy, with video calls replicating in-person therapy. Couples can discuss issues openly with a therapist like Dr. Harel, who guides them through exercises, communication skills, and emotional insight—all from the comfort of their home.