You will know you are making progress in couples therapy when: You can see the pattern in your relationship from a perspective of empathy and compassion for yourself and your partner You can identify when you and your partner are getting into the same patterns and pause and redirect before it escalates You can express your emotions and needs with your partner in a way that does not trigger or upset them You can listen to your partner’s emotions and needs without feeling blamed or defensive You can own your contribution to the dynamic You have new insights and understanding of your partner and yourself  You can see your partner’s good intentions and trust that they are doing their very best  You have forgiven each other for past wounds, mistakes, and betrayals  You can have healthy disagreements and work through problems together as a team  You feel trust, safety, and security in the relationship You  feel a renewed sense of love, admiration, attraction, and appreciation for your partner You feel confident and optimistic about your relationship