Relationship Therapy Exercises: Strengthen Your Bond with These Expert-Backed Activities
Relationships take work—but that work doesn’t have to be boring or exhausting. In fact, many couples therapy exercises are designed to be engaging, insightful, and even fun. Whether you're looking to deepen your connection, improve communication, or navigate challenges, relationship therapy exercises offer actionable tools to help strengthen your bond.
At Live Full Therapy in Nashville, we believe that relationships thrive when couples prioritize emotional connection and mutual understanding. In this guide, we’ll explore expert-backed relationship therapy exercises that you can try at home, whether you’re in therapy or simply looking to improve your relationship dynamics.
Why Relationship Therapy Exercises Matter
Couples therapy exercises aren’t just for struggling relationships. Studies show that proactive relationship work leads to greater satisfaction and long-term relationship stability (Gottman & Silver, 1999). These exercises help with:
✔ Improving communication skills
✔ Increasing emotional intimacy
✔ Strengthening trust and security
✔ Managing conflict in a healthy way
✔ Deepening appreciation for your partner
Even small, intentional efforts can make a significant difference in the way you and your partner connect.
1. The Daily Check-In: A Simple Way to Stay Connected
Many couples get caught up in busy schedules and forget to check in with each other emotionally. A daily check-in is a simple, structured way to stay connected and ensure that both partners feel heard.
How to do it:
Set aside 5-10 minutes each day (morning or evening) to talk.
Use the following prompts:
“What’s one thing that went well for you today?”
“What’s something you’re feeling stressed about?”
“How can I support you right now?”
Listen without interrupting and validate your partner’s feelings.
Why it works: This exercise fosters consistent emotional connection, reducing feelings of distance or disconnection.
2. The Appreciation Game: Strengthening Gratitude in Your Relationship
Research shows that couples who regularly express gratitude toward each other have stronger, more resilient relationships (Algoe et al., 2013). The Appreciation Game is a quick and effective way to build positivity.
How to do it:
Take turns sharing three things you appreciate about each other.
These can be small (“I love how you always make me coffee in the morning”) or big (“I appreciate how supportive you were during my stressful work week”).
Why it works: Expressing appreciation reinforces positive behaviors and reminds partners of what they value in each other.
3. The 5-Minute Eye Contact Challenge: Rebuilding Emotional Intimacy
Physical and emotional intimacy are deeply intertwined. When couples feel distant, intentional eye contact can help rebuild connection.
How to do it:
Sit facing each other in a quiet space.
Set a timer for 5 minutes and maintain eye contact without speaking.
If emotions surface, allow them—this is part of the process.
Why it works: Eye contact activates oxytocin, the bonding hormone (Levine et al., 2013), and can rekindle emotional closeness.
4. The Speaker-Listener Technique: Mastering Healthy Communication
Poor communication is one of the top predictors of relationship dissatisfaction (Gottman Institute). The Speaker-Listener technique ensures that both partners feel heard and understood.
How to do it:
One partner speaks, the other listens without interrupting.
The listener then repeats back what they heard (“So what you’re saying is...”).
The speaker confirms or corrects the understanding.
Switch roles and repeat.
Why it works: This prevents miscommunication and teaches partners to listen with empathy rather than react defensively.
5. The Love Map Exercise: Rediscovering Each Other
Over time, couples may assume they know everything about their partner, but people change! The Love Map Exercise, developed by Dr. John Gottman, helps partners stay curious and connected.
How to do it:
Take turns answering questions like:
“What’s my biggest dream right now?”
“Who is my closest friend outside of our relationship?”
“What’s a personal goal I’m working on?”
The goal isn’t to “get everything right” but to learn more about your partner’s inner world.
Why it works: It keeps partners engaged in each other’s lives, preventing emotional distance.
6. The Future Vision Board: Creating Shared Goals
Couples who work toward shared goals tend to have stronger relationships (Roddy et al., 2020). A vision board exercise is a creative way to align your future dreams.
How to do it:
Gather magazines, images, or write words that represent goals (travel, career, family, hobbies, etc.).
Create a physical or digital board together.
Discuss what each image or word means to you.
Why it works: This exercise reinforces teamwork and provides a visual reminder of your shared dreams.
7. The Conflict Resolution Blueprint: Turning Arguments into Growth
All couples argue—but how you argue determines the health of your relationship. This exercise helps turn conflicts into opportunities for growth.
How to do it:
The next time a disagreement arises, pause and follow these steps:
Take a break (20-30 minutes) to calm down if needed.
Identify the core issue (e.g., “I felt unheard when…”).
Use "I" statements instead of blaming (“I feel frustrated when…”).
Find a compromise or solution together.
Why it works: It prevents fights from escalating and fosters a problem-solving mindset.
When to Seek Professional Relationship Therapy
While these exercises can significantly improve your relationship, therapy offers personalized guidance when challenges persist.
Consider professional relationship therapy if:
✔ Communication consistently breaks down
✔ Conflicts feel unresolved and repetitive
✔ You feel emotionally disconnected from your partner
✔ Trust has been damaged and needs repair
At Live Full Therapy in Nashville, we specialize in relationship counseling using evidence-based techniques like Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Somatic Therapy to help couples reconnect and thrive.
Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger Relationship
Strengthening your relationship doesn’t require a crisis—it starts with small, intentional efforts every day. Whether you’re looking to enhance your emotional connection, improve communication, or navigate a rough patch, these relationship therapy exercises can help.
Ready to go deeper? Our experienced relationship therapists in Nashville are here to support you.
Schedule a free consultation today and take the next step toward a healthier, happier relationship.
CONNECT WITH A THERAPIST:
LIVE FULL THERAPY
Your neighborhood therapy practice in the heart of East Nashville. Offering a personalized and holistic approach to help you lead a more full and connected life.
GET IN TOUCH:
hello@livefulltherapy.com
2002 Eastland Ave, Unit 101
Nashville, TN 37206
