Couples Therapy in Burbank, CA by Dr. Harel Papikian

Relationships can be beautiful, fulfilling, and deeply meaningful. But even the strongest couples can face challenges that leave them feeling disconnected, frustrated, or stuck. Whether it’s due to stress, communication problems, past trauma, or major life changes, seeking help through couples therapy can make a big difference.

According to a report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 70% to 80% of couples who go to therapy feel happier in their relationship and less stressed. The study shows that couples therapy works and helps many people feel better.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, and licensed clinical psychologist who can help you and your partner grow closer, Dr. Harel Papikian offers a powerful and compassionate approach to couples therapy Burbank, California.

When Should You Consider Couples Therapy

If you and your partner feel stuck, hurt, or distant, couples therapy can help. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. Starting early often makes things easier to fix and gives you the support, tools, and guidance you need to feel closer, more understood.

Many couples try therapy when they:

• Argue often
• Feel distant 
• Struggle to connect
• Feel misunderstood and not heard 
• Experience lack of  trust 
• Carry past resentments 
• Face big life changes
• Cope with  stress
• Face mental health challenges of anxiety, depression or trauma 

Therapy is a safe space to be heard, validated, understood, and supported.

Pro Tip 1: Start therapy early. Don’t wait for the crisis to occur. The sooner you address the relationship challenges, the easier it is to pivot the relationship.

What to Expect in a Therapy Session

Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings, and that’s completely normal. Dr. Harel offers a safe, respectful space where both partners can share thoughts openly.

In couples therapy Burbank, you can expect:

• Understand the cycles and repetitive patterns in your relationship
• Identify your role in maintaining the problematic relational patterns 
• Establish relational goals
• Resolve relational past challenges, conflict and resentments
• Learn tools to improve communication and deepen connection

Therapy is your tool to work through problems and build a beautiful  relationship together.

Care & Understanding with Dr. Harel Papikian

Dr. Harel Papikian is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with couples. He has years of experience helping people navigate relationship difficulties, emotional wounds, and communication struggles. His therapy style is warm, non-judgmental, and deeply focused on real results. The cost for couples counseling typically ranges from $200 to $300 per session, making it a meaningful investment in your emotional health and relationship growth.

Dr. Harel’s private practice serves couples across the Los Angeles area, including Burbank, West Hollywood, and nearby communities. Over time, he has helped countless couples reconnect, heal, and find a better way forward together. Through couples therapy Burbank, he offers a safe and caring space where partners learn to listen, trust, and grow. His sessions focus on real change and lasting connection.

What Makes Dr. Harel Papikian’s Approach Stand Out

 

Dr. Harel  uses a thoughtful and structured approach designed to help couples understand their challenges, express their feelings, and develop new relationship skills. He believes that with the right tools and support, couples can overcome emotional distance and rediscover connection.

He follows a powerful model called ‘The ARM Method’:

1. Awareness

The first step is understanding what’s going on and how the relationship challenges came about. Dr. Harel helps each partner gain awareness of their emotions, communication patterns, and past experiences that may be influencing the relationship today.

2. Release

In this phase, each partner  works on letting go of past negative emotions  such as anger, fear, guilt, or shame. This process helps reduce reactivity, defensiveness and emotional tension, and creates space for healing.

3. Mastery

This is where couples learn the core relational skills – how to communicate effectively, listen with empathy, and handle conflict in a healthy way. Dr. Harel Papikian helps partners practice new tools that lead to lasting growth and closeness.

A Safe Space for All Couples

Dr. Harel Papikian believes that all couples deserve to be supported and celebrated.   He has  extensive experience working with gay and BIPOC couples. His practice welcomes couples of all backgrounds and identities.

Whether you’re part of a heterosexual, LGBTQ+, multicultural, or interfaith relationship, you’ll find a safe and accepting environment to explore your challenges and goals. Dr. Harel’s deep appreciation  for diversity and inclusion makes his therapy practice a safe place for healing and growth.

How Long Does Couples Therapy Take?

Therapy is a personal process, and every couple moves at their own pace. Some couples need just a few sessions to resolve a specific issue. Others may benefit from more extensive help to rebuild trust or learn new communication skills.

Dr. Harel Papikian’s clients often report meaningful progress in as few as 6–8 sessions. His structured yet flexible style helps couples feel empowered to take real steps toward a better relationship, without needing years of therapy.

 

Therapy for Trauma and Emotional Pain

One of the things that sets Dr. Harel Papikian apart is his deep understanding of trauma  and emotional pain. Many people carry unresolved experiences that affect how they show up in relationships, often without realizing it.

Dr. Harel  combines traditional talk  trauma therapy with powerful techniques like hypnotherapy, cognitive therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). These tools can help you move beyond old emotional wounds and create space for new ways of living and loving. 

If trauma, anxiety, or past relationships are getting in the way of your current one, Dr. Harel Papikian offers a path forward. His trauma-informed care helps couples establish safety, trust and connection.

Pro Tip 2:  Be honest during sessions. Sharing your thoughts and feelings helps your partner understand your experience and gives Dr. Harel the tools to help both of you. 

Hope and Healing for Every Relationship

Every couple goes through hard times. But the good news is that healing is possible—even after trust is broken, hearts are hurt, or you’ve felt distant for a long time. With the right support, you and your partner can start fresh and build a better relationship.

A trusted study from Veterans Affairs and other government groups found that about 69% to 71% of couples who try a special kind of therapy called integrative behavioral couples therapy feel happier and stay strong as a couple. This is even slightly higher than the 50–60% success rate seen with other  types of couples therapy. The bottom line is that couples therapy works.

Dr. Harel Papikian helps couples rebuild trust, feel safe with each other again, and reconnect through open and honest talks. He doesn’t just fix surface problems—he focuses on what matters and helps you rewrite your relationship story.

Therapy That Works Around Your Life

Finding time for therapy can be hard. That’s why Dr. Harel Papikian offers flexible scheduling to fit your busy life. Sessions are available virtually, giving you the flexibility to receive help  wherever you are.

Whether you live in Burbank, work in West Hollywood, or travel often, Dr. Harel Papikian makes therapy more accessible so that you can start your journey toward a stronger relationship without added stress.

Many couples looking for help have found hope and healing through couples therapy Burbank offered by Dr. Harel Papikian.

 

Let Your Relationship Heal and Grow

When a relationship feels stuck or tense, the right therapy can help bring clarity, calm, and connection. Dr. Harel Papikian works with couples to reestablish emotional safety, strengthen communication and rebuild trust.Couples therapy Burbank can be the beginning of real change and a more fulfilling relationship. Book a session today to improve communication, rebuild trust, and feel more connected.

Every relationship deserves the chance to thrive. This could be that moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

 When should a couple consider therapy?

Couples can benefit from therapy when they feel distant, argue often, face stress, or struggle to communicate. Starting therapy early supports emotional growth, builds understanding, and strengthens the relationship before issues become too painful or difficult to manage.

What happens during a couples therapy session?

Each session is a safe space where both partners can express feelings, explore challenges, and learn new ways to connect. Dr. Harel Papikian helps couples understand each other, set goals, and build tools for healthier communication, trust, and emotional connection.

How long does couples therapy usually take?
Every couple is different. Some feel progress in just a few sessions, while others may continue longer for deeper healing. Many couples working with Dr. Harel Papikian noticed positive change within 6–8 sessions, depending on their goals and comfort level.

Can therapy help if there’s past trauma or emotional pain?
Yes, therapy can be deeply helpful for couples dealing with past trauma or emotional wounds. Dr. Harel Papikian uses trauma-informed care and powerful techniques to help couples feel safe, process difficult emotions, and build a stronger, more fulfilling  relationship.

Is therapy helpful for all types of couples?
Absolutely. Dr. Harel Papikian welcomes couples of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, multicultural, and interfaith relationships. His approach is inclusive, respectful, and supportive—providing a safe space for every couple to explore their challenges and grow closer together.