Couples Therapy for Breakup in Los Angeles | Dr. Harel Papikian

 

There’s no easy way to say goodbye to someone you once cared about. Whether the relationship was new or long-standing, breakups can leave you feeling like a part of your world just fell apart. It’s not just about losing a person—it’s about losing the shared dreams, the connection, and a sense of stability. You may feel hurt, confused, angry, or completely overwhelmed. And that’s okay. These feelings are real, and they matter. You don’t have to go through them alone.

According to the American Psychological Association, the divorce rate among adults aged 50 and older has doubled over the past few decades. Today, nearly one-third of all divorces in the United States involve people over 50. These later-in-life breakups often bring deep emotional pain, especially when years of shared memories, daily routines, and emotional connection come to an unexpected end. The sense of loss can be hard to process, but healing is possible with the right support.

Dr. Harel Papikian of West Hollywood Couples Therapy provides caring, personalized support through couples therapy for breakup. Whether you’re dealing with a recent split or unresolved pain from the past, therapy can help you process emotions, gain clarity, and rebuild your sense of self. If you’re in Los Angeles, this could be your first step toward healing.

What Is Couples Therapy for Breakup?

You may think couples therapy is only for couples who want to stay together. However, in many cases, therapy can also help individuals during a breakup or after a relationship has ended.

Couples therapy in los angeles for breakup is a safe space where partners (or one partner alone) can process what went wrong, express feelings, and learn how to move forward. Sometimes, both people attend sessions together. Other times, one partner works with the therapist individually to heal and grow.

This type of therapy focuses on emotional closure, personal growth, and reducing long-term pain or regret.

Pro Tip: Talk about your innermost thoughts and feelings in therapy. No secrets. Put it all on the table and let a trained therapist help you process emotions and gain clarity during this difficult time.

Why Is Breakup Support Important?

Breakups affect more than just your heart. They can also impact your mental health, sleep, focus, self-esteem, and even physical health. Some people experience symptoms of depression or anxiety after a relationship ends.

Here are some common emotional struggles after a breakup:

• Feeling hopeless or stuck
• Having trouble letting go
• Obsessing about the past
• Fear of being alone
• Guilt or blame
• Emotional numbness

Working with a therapist like Dr. Harel Papikian helps you process these feelings. You’ll learn how to understand your emotions and rebuild your confidence and self-worth.

What Happens in Breakup Therapy?

Breakup therapy sessions are tailored to your needs. Every person or couple is different, so Dr. Papikian first gets to know your story and emotional goals.

Some things you may talk about in therapy include:

• Why the relationship ended
• What lessons can you learn
• How to handle strong emotions
• How to deal with loneliness
• How to co-parent or maintain healthy boundaries (if needed)
• How to rebuild your confidence

You don’t need to have all the answers. Therapy is a place to explore your feelings at your own pace.

If both partners attend therapy together, the goal may be to end things respectfully and kindly. This can be especially helpful if you share children, property, or a long history.

Dr. Harel Papikian: A Trusted Breakup and Relationship Therapist

Dr. Harel Papikian, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist who specializes in relationship issues, breakups, and emotional trauma. He has years of experience working with people of all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

He offers therapy that is warm, non-judgmental, and deeply healing at his private practice in Los Angeles. His approach combines cognitive therapy, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and hypnotherapy.

Dr. Papikian helps people:

• Heal after a breakup
• Understand relationship patterns
• Improve self-worth
• Manage stress, sadness, or anxiety
• Let go of guilt or shame
• Learn how to set better boundaries

Whether you’re healing from a painful breakup or navigating the end of a long-term relationship, Dr. Papikian can help you rediscover peace and purpose. Couples therapy prices typically range from $200 to $300  per session, depending on your unique needs and goals. It’s a valuable investment in your emotional well-being and life satisfaction—helping you reconnect, improve communication, and create a healthier path forward.

Breakup Therapy Can Be Healing, Even If You’re Alone

You don’t need to attend therapy as a couple. In fact, many people seek help after a breakup on their own.

Seeing a break up therapist in Long  Beach can help you make sense of the emotional pain and avoid getting stuck in negative cycles. Therapy gives you tools to cope, grow, and move forward with more wisdom for future relationships.

Sometimes we repeat patterns without even knowing it. Breakup therapy helps you identify those patterns and make better choices in the future.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people feel better after a few weeks, while others may need longer to heal.

Dr. Harel Papikian often works with clients for 2–3 months during breakup recovery. Sessions are usually once a week and are held virtually for your convenience and comfort.

What matters most is your comfort and progress. You’re in control of your healing journey.

Pro Tip: Healing takes place not just during the session, but also between the weekly appointments. Take notes of your thoughts during the session. Make sure to write down – “What are my key takeaways from today’s session, what am I going to implement moving forward, and what will I bring back to discuss in our next meeting?”

Therapy for All Types of Relationships

Love comes in many forms. Dr. Harel Papikian understands that breakups happen in all kinds of relationships, including:

• Dating relationships
• Long-term partnerships
• LGBTQ+ relationships
• Marriages and domestic partnerships
• Polyamorous or non-traditional relationships

No matter your identity or the type of relationship, you deserve support.

Dr. Harel  is known for creating a welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and accepted. His therapy approach respects your values, culture, and life experiences.

Can Couples Therapy Help Prevent a Breakup?

Yes—often it can. If you’re unsure whether to stay together or go separate ways, therapy can offer clarity and support during this challenging time.

Many couples begin therapy to:

• Repair their emotional bond
• Improve communication
• Decide whether to continue the relationship or separate

Others turn to therapy after deciding to break up, hoping to end things with care and mutual respect.

According to a review published by the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, which analyzed 58 studies involving 2,092 couples, therapy led to significant improvements in relationship satisfaction and communication. In contrast, couples who didn’t receive therapy showed little to no improvement. This research highlights how professional help  can truly make a difference when a relationship is struggling.

What Makes Dr. Harel Papikian’s Approach Unique?

Many therapists offer relationship support, but not all have deep experience with breakups, trauma, and identity-sensitive care.

Dr. Harel’s  therapy stands out because:

• He’s trauma-informed
• He’s experienced with grief and loss
• He works with LGBTQ+ and diverse clients
• He blends mainstream and cutting edge  therapy methods
• His clients often notice changes within weeks

Also, his three-step framework—Awareness, Release, and Mastery—often helps clients achieve personal and relational transformation. 

Book Your Breakup Therapy Session Today

Breakups can leave you feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of what to do next. Maybe you’re still deciding whether to stay or go, or maybe it’s already over and the pain is just sinking in. Either way, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. 

Dr. Harel Papikian works with people going through these hard moments, offering space to talk, feel, and start putting the pieces back together. 

You can come alone or with your partner. If you’re looking for a break up therapist Long Beach, schedule a session today and take the first step toward healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is couples therapy for breakup?

Couples therapy for breakup helps people process emotions, gain closure, and move forward after a relationship ends. Both partners or just one person can attend. It’s a safe space to explore what happened, manage pain, and grow emotionally after a breakup or separation.

2. Do I need to attend breakup therapy with my ex?

You can go to breakup therapy alone. Many people do. Whether you’re hurting after a breakup or unsure about ending a relationship, therapy gives you support, tools, and clarity—on your own or with a partner if both are open to it.

3. Can therapy help if we’re still deciding whether to break up?

Yes. Therapy can help couples decide whether to stay together or part ways. It creates space for honest conversations, reduces blame, and helps both partners understand their needs. Many couples use it to make clear, respectful decisions during difficult relationship moments.

4. How long does breakup therapy take?

Healing time varies. Some people feel better in a few sessions, while others need more time. Dr. Papikian often sees clients for 2–3 months. Sessions are weekly and personalized to your comfort, helping you heal at your own pace.

5. Is breakup therapy helpful after a long-term relationship?

Absolutely. Ending a long-term relationship can be deeply painful. Therapy helps you grieve, understand the loss, and rebuild your identity. It also supports healthy coping, reduces long-term emotional distress, and gives you strength to move forward with more peace and self-understanding.