Couples therapy is similar to individual therapy in that it, too, is a collaborative process, between a therapist and a couple. Couples work differs from individual therapy in that the emphasis is on understanding the interplay of the two people involved in a marriage or committed partnership. This can include themes of conflict, family of origin, parenting, lifestyle habits, finances or any number of issues that may show up in a marriage. Just like individual work, though, the work of the therapist is to create a safe place for a couple to process these themes with one another in a way that brings about greater understanding and cohesion in the relationship.