Couples therapy may occur with established partners, engaged couples, or married couples. Careful attention is given to the interactions and communication systems within the relationship to help the couple establish a healthy relationship and life. By emphasizing communication and effective listening, couples learn to work together toward common goals and improve intimacy in a mutually satisfying manner. Couples therapy provides an opportunity to reconstruct negative behavior patterns and establish healthier ways of connecting. In the event the couple chooses to separate, therapy can assist them negotiate the separation process and establish common ground.