Couples Therapy

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Couples Therapy Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Celeb therapy series has mature themes, bleeped language.

VH1 Reality TV 2012
Rate TV

Parents say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this therapy-themed reality series touches on some very mature topics, including infidelity, child and domestic abuse, and sexual intimacy. Couples Therapy also includes some strong language ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), most of which is bleeped, and drinking. Both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are featured.

Community Reviews

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

COUPLES THERAPY is a reality series in which D-list celebrity couples undergo intense relationship counseling under the supervision of therapist Dr. Jenn Berman. The five pairs moving into Berman's Couples Center, a Hollywood Hills residential therapy facility, include Jersey Shore's Angelina Pivarnick and her boyfriend, ousted The Next Food Network Star chef Chris Nirschel; The Bachelor winner Vienna Girardi and Kasey Kahl, a former contender on The Bachelorette; rapper DMX and his estranged wife, Tashera Simmons; and reality star Linda Hogan and her younger boyfriend, Charlie Hill. Also joining them is The Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl and his ex-boyfriend, Rodiney Santiago. For several weeks the couples participate in therapy sessions and various exercises overseen by psychotherapist Dr. Mike Dow and residential treatment counselors like Rachel Clark, Tom Carouso, and Sarah Michael Novia in order to help them decide whether to live their lives together or decide to separate for good. Regardless of their decision, Berman asserts that the participants will leave as better people thanks to the overall experience.

Is It Any Good?

Couples Therapy offers a voyeuristic look into the efforts of couples dealing with personal issues and trying to rebuild their relationships into something that will last for the long term. Ironically, most of the cast members are past and current reality stars whose relationships were negatively impacted by the pressures brought on by the expectations of the entertainment industry and the stress of being in the public limelight.

Overall, Couples Therapy deals with mature topics, some of which may upset sensitive viewers. Meanwhile, while Berman appears to legitimately want to help these couples, the series is as much about her and her therapeutic practices as it is about the couples she's trying to help. Some folks may find this show an entertaining form of guilty pleasure, but it's not meant for kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about therapy-themed reality shows. Why do people agree to discuss their personal issues in such a public forum? Do you think that this is really going to help them resolve their issues?

  • Are viewers expected to learn or personally benefit from shows like Couples Therapy? Or are they being offered primarily for entertainment?

  • Why do you think these couples have agreed to appear on this show? Does the fact that some of them have appeared on other reality shows make you question their intentions?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate