Screaming couples, couples who don’t talk to each other, couples where one person talks (or screams) and the other person remains stonily silent.

We’ve all seen or been in a couple going through rough patches, or just ripping apart at the seams. Imagine being a couples or family therapist caught in the middle of squabbling partners.

A recent New York Times article points out the challenges for couples therapists, as well as patients. These therapists say that being a passive voice in the mix doesn’t work, that you need to get in and “be a ninja,” said one psychologist.

The trade magazine Psychology Networker devoted an entire cover package to the subject for its November-December issue. At times, the therapist him or herself can become the target of venom.

WEIGH IN:

Does couples therapy work? Have you been in couples therapy? Are you a therapist who has dealt with couples, and what were the highs and lows of that process?

Guests:

Peter Pearson, psychologist, couples therapist and co-founder of the Couples Institute in Menlo Park, California with his wife, Ellyn Bader

Rich Simon, clinical psychologist and editor of trade magazine the "Psychology Networker," whose November-December issue revolved around the challenges of couples therapy