Decades of UCLA research basis of free relationship help offered in Los Angeles
More than three decades ago, UCLA psychologist Andrew Christensen received federal funding to explore a new approach to couples’ therapy. Now, after years of use in clinical therapy, the method he helped develop is the foundation of an innovative program offering free relationship help in Los Angeles.
A distinguished research professor in UCLA’s psychology department, Christensen studies conflict in couples and families and teaches couples’ therapy. He has helped advance the development of evidence-based treatments for couples in distress, receiving the 2025 Wellner award for his significant contributions to the field.
Along with the late Neil S. Jacobson, a psychology professor at University of Washington, Christensen pioneered a science-supported treatment for couples known as Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT). This approach expands on traditional therapies by grounding its method in the fundamental idea that relationship problems stem from the combination of a triggering action or inaction, and a sensitive emotional reaction. It attempts to resolve conflict through both acceptance and change, with counselors helping couples better understand their differences, sensitivities and communication patterns.
Federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) enabled Christensen to develop IBCT and conduct clinical trials. The research supported IBCT as a promising evidence-based treatment for couples, including those experiencing severe difficulties. It has been the counseling method used by the Veterans Administration since 2010.
One of Christensen’s students, Brian Doss, who is now a professor at the University of Miami, began to develop digital counseling programs while pursuing his doctoral degree at UCLA. These efforts eventually became OurRelationship, an online program that uses these same IBCT concepts to improve communication, trust and relationship satisfaction.
The online course is now available at no cost for heterosexual, LGBTQ+ and military or veteran couples in L.A. County. It includes 8-10 hours of activities and five weekly 30-minute calls with a coach of choice. As a web-based resource, the platform can reach people who have historically been overlooked by offering greater flexibility, reduced stigma and no cost.
“IBCT is one of the most extensively tested, evidence-based approaches to relationship counseling. It’s probably fair to say that IBCT, whether through the VA system or in private counseling, has improved countless relationships over the years,” Christensen said. “And now we’ve developed a way to bring these benefits to even more people at no charge.”
Effective relationship support is now more accessible than ever, and it all traces back to decades of federally-funded research at UCLA.