Mind Reading: Dr. Orna Guralnik On The Mindful Magic Of ‘Couples Therapy’

It’s no secret people are attracted to the drama of relationships on the rocks. Much of said drama comes across our screens in the form of shows that are voyeuristic at best, salacious at worst. Rising above the fray is “Couples Therapy,” which has drawn both substantial viewership and critical praise for the thoughtful, thought-provoking—and yes, often juicy—way it brings viewers into the therapy sessions of real-life couples.

Rather than rip off emotional band aids for the sake of theatrics, the series—which returns May 31 for its fourth season on Paramount+ with the Showtime Plan—moves at a mindful cadence that enables viewers to immerse in the entanglements, develop sympathy and empathy, and assess what resonates in their own lives. And that’s exactly the way its superstar psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik likes it.

“Our intention was not just to promote therapy. Our intention was to demystify what happens in therapy, but also to demystify what goes on between couples,” she says of the series, which will vie for outstanding structured reality program at this year’s Emmys.