Can a Therapist Really Save Your Marriage? Here’s the Truth What Works in 2025
Can a Therapist Really Save Your Marriage? Here’s the Truth – What Works in 2025
In 2025, marriage therapy has evolved with modern techniques, online access, and science-backed methods. But can a therapist truly save your marriage? The short answer: Yes, if both partners commit to the process.
Here’s what makes therapy effective today:
🔹 Tailored Therapy Techniques – Therapists now use a mix of traditional counseling and modern methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Gottman Method tailored to your relationship needs.
🔹 Improved Communication Tools – Therapists teach couples how to listen actively, express feelings without blame, and resolve conflict before it escalates.
🔹 Online & In-Person Options – With teletherapy on the rise, couples can now access licensed professionals from home—making help more accessible than ever.
🔹 Focus on Root Issues, Not Just Symptoms – Therapy in 2025 digs deeper into unmet emotional needs, past traumas, and toxic patterns, not just surface-level fights.
🔹 Commitment is Key – Therapy works when both partners participate willingly and take responsibility.
The Truth About Modern Marriages
Marriage today faces challenges past generations never encountered—digital distractions, career pressures, mental health struggles, and shifting gender roles. In 2025, many couples are emotionally drained and disconnected even if they live under the same roof. Therapy is no longer a “last chance” option. It's now seen as a smart, proactive investment in the relationship.
✅ Key Points:
• Therapy is normal: Many couples attend therapy before major issues escalate.
• Not a failure: Seeking help is a strength, not a sign your marriage is broken.
• Tailored to modern problems: Today’s therapy addresses tech-related issues, emotional burnout, and parenting stress.
• Science-backed results: Studies show therapy improves communication, emotional safety, and intimacy.
• Goal isn't perfection: Therapy teaches how to understand, not change, your partner.
If you’re silently struggling or wondering whether your marriage can be saved, therapy offers a safe space to uncover what’s really wrong—and how to reconnect. This blog explores how therapy works, what methods are trending in 2025, and what couples just like you are doing to heal and thrive.
What Does a Marriage Therapist Actually Do?
A marriage therapist is a trained mental health professional who helps couples identify, understand, and resolve relationship issues. Their role isn’t to take sides or assign blame—it’s to create a safe, neutral space for both partners to be heard. In 2025, therapists use a mix of traditional talk therapy and modern techniques, including digital assessments, emotion mapping, and even AI-powered communication analysis.
✅ Key Points:
• Creates a safe space: Both partners can express emotions without judgment.
• Teaches tools: Couples learn how to communicate, argue constructively, and reconnect emotionally.
• Facilitates change: The therapist guides each partner to take responsibility and grow.
• Uses proven methods: Popular approaches include the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy.
Marriage therapists don’t “fix” your spouse—they help you understand each other better. They guide couples in rebuilding trust, learning empathy, and practicing vulnerability. Sessions may be joint or individual depending on the situation, and progress often depends on both partners being open, honest, and willing to grow. Therapy isn’t magic—but it can be transformative if you’re ready to do the work together.
Marriage therapy isn’t about assigning blame or airing dirty laundry. It’s about healing deep emotional wounds and learning new ways to connect. In 2025, therapists use evidence-based tools that go beyond surface arguments to identify the emotional patterns keeping couples stuck. Whether it’s resentment, distance, or unspoken pain, therapy helps bring it to light and build a path forward.
✅ Key Points:
• Rebuilds communication: Therapy teaches couples how to speak honestly without attacking or shutting down.
• Uncovers root issues: Problems like infidelity or constant fighting often stem from unmet emotional needs.
• Strengthens emotional bonds: Many couples rediscover empathy, kindness, and physical intimacy through guided exercises.
• Breaks toxic cycles: With help, couples can stop repeating arguments and start creating solutions.
• Restores trust: Whether broken by betrayal or neglect, trust can be rebuilt over time with accountability and openness.
Therapy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s a process of learning, unlearning, and committing to healthier habits. If both partners are willing to try—even if one is more reluctant than the other—real change is possible. Many marriages not only survive after therapy but come out stronger, deeper, and more connected than ever before.
Marriage therapy in 2025 has gone through a major transformation. No longer limited to in-person office visits, couples now have access to a wide range of modern tools, virtual platforms, and AI-enhanced techniques that make therapy more accessible, personalized, and results-driven. These new approaches cater to the needs of busy, tech-savvy, and even long-distance couples.
✅ Key Points:
• Virtual therapy platforms: Online sessions via apps like BetterHelp or ReGain make therapy easy to access, even for couples in different cities or countries.
• AI-based communication coaching: Tools now analyze tone, word choice, and facial expressions to highlight unspoken tension or emotional disconnect.
• Gottman Method apps: Digital versions of this popular therapy model allow couples to practice exercises and track progress in real time.
• Short-term intensive therapy: Weekend retreats and 3-day intensives are rising in popularity for couples wanting fast breakthroughs.
• Telehealth insurance coverage: Many health plans now support online marriage therapy, reducing cost barriers.
Modern therapy meets couples where they are—emotionally and technologically. It’s flexible, private, and tailored to individual needs. These updates have made therapy more effective and approachable than ever, proving that healing doesn’t have to wait for a perfect schedule or location.
Many couples wait until their marriage is in deep crisis before seeking help—but therapy is most effective when issues are addressed early. If you’re constantly arguing, emotionally distant, or feeling like roommates instead of romantic partners, these could be early warning signs. In 2025, therapists emphasize “preventative therapy” to help couples avoid emotional disconnection and long-term damage.
✅ Key Signs to Watch:
• Constant arguments: You’re always fighting—even about small things—and nothing gets resolved.
• Emotional withdrawal: One or both of you shut down or avoid talking altogether.
• No intimacy: Physical and emotional intimacy has disappeared, and neither partner initiates closeness.
• Unspoken resentment: Negative feelings build up over time but aren’t expressed in a healthy way.
• Communication breakdown: Conversations turn into blame games, sarcasm, or complete silence.
• You’re considering separation: If the thought of leaving keeps coming up, it’s time for outside help.
Recognizing these signs early can prevent permanent damage. Therapy gives couples the chance to reconnect, reframe their relationship, and rebuild trust before it’s too late. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to benefit from professional help—early intervention often leads to better outcomes and deeper healing.
Despite its proven benefits, marriage therapy still carries many myths that keep couples from seeking help. These misconceptions often stem from fear, shame, or outdated beliefs. In 2025, therapists are working hard to debunk these myths and encourage couples to view therapy as a healthy, proactive step—not a last resort.
✅ Common Myths & Truths:
• “Therapy means we’re broken” – Truth: Many happy couples use therapy to improve communication and strengthen their bond.
• “The therapist will take sides” – Truth: A qualified therapist remains neutral and helps both partners feel heard and understood.
• “It’s too expensive” – Truth: Virtual sessions, sliding-scale fees, and insurance coverage have made therapy more affordable than ever.
• “Therapy is only for big problems” – Truth: Even small, recurring issues like miscommunication or unmet expectations can benefit from therapy.
• “We should be able to fix it ourselves” – Truth: Seeking help isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom. Just like seeing a doctor for your health, therapy supports emotional wellness.
Letting go of these myths can open the door to healing. Therapy isn’t about assigning blame or changing your partner—it’s about understanding each other better and growing together in a safe, guided space.
Marriage therapy can be life-changing—but it isn’t a magic cure. It works best when both partners are genuinely committed to the process. In 2025, therapists stress that therapy doesn’t “fix” a marriage overnight. It requires honesty, emotional effort, and patience. While many couples see incredible growth and reconnection, others may discover they’re no longer compatible—and that’s okay too.
✅ What to Understand:
• It’s a process, not a quick fix: Real change takes time. Progress might feel slow, but consistency matters.
• Both partners must participate: Therapy is most successful when both are engaged, open, and honest.
• You’ll learn uncomfortable truths: Sometimes therapy reveals long-buried issues or emotional wounds.
• Success doesn’t always mean staying together: For some, therapy helps them part ways respectfully and peacefully.
• Even “failed” therapy offers insight: It teaches better self-awareness, emotional tools, and what you need in a relationship.
Therapy works—but only if you work with it. The good news? Even relationships on the brink can be saved when both partners are ready to reflect, grow, and take action. The key is not perfection—but progress, emotional safety, and mutual effort.
Choosing the right marriage therapist is one of the most important steps toward saving or strengthening your relationship. A therapist isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—your comfort level, values, and the therapist’s experience all play a role. In 2025, couples have more options than ever, including online therapy, faith-based counseling, and culturally sensitive practices that resonate with diverse backgrounds.
✅ Key Tips for Choosing the Right Therapist:
• Check qualifications: Look for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), psychologists, or counselors with relationship experience.
• Look for specialization: Choose someone experienced in areas like infidelity, communication issues, trauma, or cultural sensitivity.
• Consider compatibility: You should both feel comfortable and safe with the therapist. A good fit matters.
• Decide between in-person or online: Teletherapy is convenient, while in-person sessions may feel more personal.
• Read reviews or get referrals: Real feedback can help you feel more confident in your choice.
The right therapist will guide you with empathy and clarity—not fix you, but empower both partners to better understand each other. Choosing well can be the turning point in your relationship journey.
Sometimes, the best way to believe in the power of marriage therapy is by hearing real stories from couples who’ve been there. In 2025, more couples are speaking out about how therapy helped them overcome seemingly impossible challenges. These case studies show that even when things feel hopeless, healing is possible with the right support.
✅ Real-Life Examples:
• Infidelity Recovery: After an affair, one couple used Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to rebuild trust. Over six months, they went from emotional detachment to creating new rules of honesty and closeness.
• Communication Meltdown: A couple constantly fighting over finances and parenting used the Gottman Method to learn how to listen and respond rather than react. Arguments decreased by 80% within eight sessions.
• Postpartum Distance: Another couple, after having their first baby, found themselves disconnected and sexless. Therapy helped them express their emotional needs and slowly rebuild intimacy.
• Second Marriage Success: A blended family struggled with loyalty conflicts. With therapy, they created family routines and boundaries that made everyone feel respected.
These stories prove therapy isn’t just theory—it’s a tool that can transform real relationships. Healing looks different for everyone, but the right guidance makes a world of difference.
Even before you start therapy—or while you’re attending sessions—there are small, powerful things you can do to strengthen your marriage. In 2025, many couples are combining professional help with intentional daily habits to rebuild trust, intimacy, and communication. These “DIY” strategies don’t require a therapist but can make a big difference.
✅ Actionable Tips to Try Now:
• Daily check-ins: Take 10 minutes each evening to talk about your day—no phones, no distractions.
• Weekly marriage meetings: Discuss schedules, challenges, and emotions. Use it as a time to listen, not fix.
• Love language practice: Learn your partner’s love language (touch, words, acts, gifts, time) and act on it regularly.
• Conflict-free zones: Set boundaries where no fights are allowed (like the bedroom or dinner table).
• Gratitude journaling: Write down three things you appreciate about your partner every day—and share them weekly.
• Digital detox nights: Pick one night a week to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other.
These simple practices build emotional safety and connection—the foundation of every healthy relationship. While therapy provides deeper tools, these habits can create momentum and show your partner you're serious about healing and growing together.
You may also like
Conclusion:
If you’re asking whether marriage therapy can save your relationship, the honest answer is—it depends on your willingness to try. In 2025, therapy is more advanced, accessible, and effective than ever before, but it still requires commitment from both partners. The good news? You don’t have to wait until your relationship is falling apart. Therapy works best as a proactive step—not just a crisis tool.
✅ Final Takeaways:
• Therapy works for many couples, even those on the brink of separation.
• Modern methods and tools make it easier to find help that fits your schedule, lifestyle, and comfort level.
• The earlier you start, the better your chances of success. Don’t wait for rock bottom.
• You’re not alone—millions of couples turn to therapy every year and emerge stronger.
• It’s about effort, not perfection. Growth takes time, but every small step counts.
If your marriage feels worth saving, take the first step—whether it’s scheduling a session or just starting with a conversation. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about rediscovering what brought you together, learning how to love better, and choosing to grow together—even when it’s hard.
Read
FAQs:
Q1. How many therapy sessions does it usually take to see improvement?
Most couples begin to notice changes within 4–6 sessions, but deeper issues may take 12 or more. The key is consistency and openness—not rushing the process.
Q2. What if only one partner wants therapy?
While joint sessions are ideal, individual therapy can still help one partner gain clarity, improve communication, and influence positive change in the relationship. Sometimes, one partner’s growth encourages the other to join.
Q3. Is online marriage therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes. In 2025, online therapy has become widely accepted and effective, especially with video sessions and interactive tools. It offers privacy, flexibility, and accessibility for busy or long-distance couples.
Q4. Can therapy fix infidelity or betrayal?
Many couples recover after infidelity with the right therapist. Therapy helps rebuild trust, address the emotional root of the betrayal, and set new boundaries. It’s hard—but possible.
Q5. How do I know if a therapist is right for us?
Look for someone who is licensed, has experience with couples, and makes both of you feel heard. Don’t hesitate to try a few therapists before choosing the one that fits.
✅ Key Points:
• Creates a safe space: Both partners can express emotions without judgment.
• Identifies patterns: Therapists notice toxic cycles—like blame, withdrawal, or avoidance.
• Teaches tools: Couples learn how to communicate, argue constructively, and reconnect emotionally.
• Facilitates change: The therapist guides each partner to take responsibility and grow.
• Uses proven methods: Popular approaches include the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy.
Marriage therapists don’t “fix” your spouse—they help you understand each other better. They guide couples in rebuilding trust, learning empathy, and practicing vulnerability. Sessions may be joint or individual depending on the situation, and progress often depends on both partners being open, honest, and willing to grow. Therapy isn’t magic—but it can be transformative if you’re ready to do the work together.
Can a Therapist Really Save Your Marriage? Here’s the Truth What Works in 2025
How Therapy Can Really Save a Marriage
Marriage therapy isn’t about assigning blame or airing dirty laundry. It’s about healing deep emotional wounds and learning new ways to connect. In 2025, therapists use evidence-based tools that go beyond surface arguments to identify the emotional patterns keeping couples stuck. Whether it’s resentment, distance, or unspoken pain, therapy helps bring it to light and build a path forward.
✅ Key Points:
• Rebuilds communication: Therapy teaches couples how to speak honestly without attacking or shutting down.
• Uncovers root issues: Problems like infidelity or constant fighting often stem from unmet emotional needs.
• Strengthens emotional bonds: Many couples rediscover empathy, kindness, and physical intimacy through guided exercises.
• Breaks toxic cycles: With help, couples can stop repeating arguments and start creating solutions.
• Restores trust: Whether broken by betrayal or neglect, trust can be rebuilt over time with accountability and openness.
Therapy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s a process of learning, unlearning, and committing to healthier habits. If both partners are willing to try—even if one is more reluctant than the other—real change is possible. Many marriages not only survive after therapy but come out stronger, deeper, and more connected than ever before.
What’s New in 2025? Modern Approaches That Work
Marriage therapy in 2025 has gone through a major transformation. No longer limited to in-person office visits, couples now have access to a wide range of modern tools, virtual platforms, and AI-enhanced techniques that make therapy more accessible, personalized, and results-driven. These new approaches cater to the needs of busy, tech-savvy, and even long-distance couples.
✅ Key Points:
• Virtual therapy platforms: Online sessions via apps like BetterHelp or ReGain make therapy easy to access, even for couples in different cities or countries.
• AI-based communication coaching: Tools now analyze tone, word choice, and facial expressions to highlight unspoken tension or emotional disconnect.
• Gottman Method apps: Digital versions of this popular therapy model allow couples to practice exercises and track progress in real time.
• Short-term intensive therapy: Weekend retreats and 3-day intensives are rising in popularity for couples wanting fast breakthroughs.
• Telehealth insurance coverage: Many health plans now support online marriage therapy, reducing cost barriers.
Modern therapy meets couples where they are—emotionally and technologically. It’s flexible, private, and tailored to individual needs. These updates have made therapy more effective and approachable than ever, proving that healing doesn’t have to wait for a perfect schedule or location.
Signs You Need Therapy (Before It’s Too Late)
Many couples wait until their marriage is in deep crisis before seeking help—but therapy is most effective when issues are addressed early. If you’re constantly arguing, emotionally distant, or feeling like roommates instead of romantic partners, these could be early warning signs. In 2025, therapists emphasize “preventative therapy” to help couples avoid emotional disconnection and long-term damage.
✅ Key Signs to Watch:
• Constant arguments: You’re always fighting—even about small things—and nothing gets resolved.
• Emotional withdrawal: One or both of you shut down or avoid talking altogether.
• No intimacy: Physical and emotional intimacy has disappeared, and neither partner initiates closeness.
• Unspoken resentment: Negative feelings build up over time but aren’t expressed in a healthy way.
• Communication breakdown: Conversations turn into blame games, sarcasm, or complete silence.
• You’re considering separation: If the thought of leaving keeps coming up, it’s time for outside help.
Recognizing these signs early can prevent permanent damage. Therapy gives couples the chance to reconnect, reframe their relationship, and rebuild trust before it’s too late. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to benefit from professional help—early intervention often leads to better outcomes and deeper healing.
Common Misconceptions About Marriage Therapy
Despite its proven benefits, marriage therapy still carries many myths that keep couples from seeking help. These misconceptions often stem from fear, shame, or outdated beliefs. In 2025, therapists are working hard to debunk these myths and encourage couples to view therapy as a healthy, proactive step—not a last resort.
✅ Common Myths & Truths:
• “Therapy means we’re broken” – Truth: Many happy couples use therapy to improve communication and strengthen their bond.
• “The therapist will take sides” – Truth: A qualified therapist remains neutral and helps both partners feel heard and understood.
• “It’s too expensive” – Truth: Virtual sessions, sliding-scale fees, and insurance coverage have made therapy more affordable than ever.
• “Therapy is only for big problems” – Truth: Even small, recurring issues like miscommunication or unmet expectations can benefit from therapy.
• “We should be able to fix it ourselves” – Truth: Seeking help isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom. Just like seeing a doctor for your health, therapy supports emotional wellness.
Letting go of these myths can open the door to healing. Therapy isn’t about assigning blame or changing your partner—it’s about understanding each other better and growing together in a safe, guided space.
Can a Therapist Really Save Your Marriage? Here’s the Truth What Works in 2025
HereDoes Marriage Therapy Always Work?
Marriage therapy can be life-changing—but it isn’t a magic cure. It works best when both partners are genuinely committed to the process. In 2025, therapists stress that therapy doesn’t “fix” a marriage overnight. It requires honesty, emotional effort, and patience. While many couples see incredible growth and reconnection, others may discover they’re no longer compatible—and that’s okay too.
✅ What to Understand:
• It’s a process, not a quick fix: Real change takes time. Progress might feel slow, but consistency matters.
• Both partners must participate: Therapy is most successful when both are engaged, open, and honest.
• You’ll learn uncomfortable truths: Sometimes therapy reveals long-buried issues or emotional wounds.
• Success doesn’t always mean staying together: For some, therapy helps them part ways respectfully and peacefully.
• Even “failed” therapy offers insight: It teaches better self-awareness, emotional tools, and what you need in a relationship.
Therapy works—but only if you work with it. The good news? Even relationships on the brink can be saved when both partners are ready to reflect, grow, and take action. The key is not perfection—but progress, emotional safety, and mutual effort.
How to Choose the Right Marriage Therapist
✅ Key Tips for Choosing the Right Therapist:
• Check qualifications: Look for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), psychologists, or counselors with relationship experience.
• Look for specialization: Choose someone experienced in areas like infidelity, communication issues, trauma, or cultural sensitivity.
• Consider compatibility: You should both feel comfortable and safe with the therapist. A good fit matters.
• Decide between in-person or online: Teletherapy is convenient, while in-person sessions may feel more personal.
• Ask the right questions: Before starting, ask about their methods, success rates, and what a typical session involves.
• Read reviews or get referrals: Real feedback can help you feel more confident in your choice.
The right therapist will guide you with empathy and clarity—not fix you, but empower both partners to better understand each other. Choosing well can be the turning point in your relationship journey.
Sometimes, the best way to believe in the power of marriage therapy is by hearing real stories from couples who’ve been there. In 2025, more couples are speaking out about how therapy helped them overcome seemingly impossible challenges. These case studies show that even when things feel hopeless, healing is possible with the right support.
✅ Real-Life Examples:
• Infidelity Recovery: After an affair, one couple used Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to rebuild trust. Over six months, they went from emotional detachment to creating new rules of honesty and closeness.
• Communication Meltdown: A couple constantly fighting over finances and parenting used the Gottman Method to learn how to listen and respond rather than react. Arguments decreased by 80% within eight sessions.
• Postpartum Distance: Another couple, after having their first baby, found themselves disconnected and sexless. Therapy helped them express their emotional needs and slowly rebuild intimacy.
• Second Marriage Success: A blended family struggled with loyalty conflicts. With therapy, they created family routines and boundaries that made everyone feel respected.
These stories prove therapy isn’t just theory—it’s a tool that can transform real relationships. Healing looks different for everyone, but the right guidance makes a world of difference.
Can a Therapist Really Save Your Marriage? Here’s the Truth What Works in 2025
DIY Tips: What You Can Start Doing Before or Alongside Therapy
Even before you start therapy—or while you’re attending sessions—there are small, powerful things you can do to strengthen your marriage. In 2025, many couples are combining professional help with intentional daily habits to rebuild trust, intimacy, and communication. These “DIY” strategies don’t require a therapist but can make a big difference.
✅ Actionable Tips to Try Now:
• Daily check-ins: Take 10 minutes each evening to talk about your day—no phones, no distractions.
• Weekly marriage meetings: Discuss schedules, challenges, and emotions. Use it as a time to listen, not fix.
• Love language practice: Learn your partner’s love language (touch, words, acts, gifts, time) and act on it regularly.
• Conflict-free zones: Set boundaries where no fights are allowed (like the bedroom or dinner table).
• Gratitude journaling: Write down three things you appreciate about your partner every day—and share them weekly.
• Digital detox nights: Pick one night a week to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other.
These simple practices build emotional safety and connection—the foundation of every healthy relationship. While therapy provides deeper tools, these habits can create momentum and show your partner you're serious about healing and growing together.
You may also like
Conclusion:
If you’re asking whether marriage therapy can save your relationship, the honest answer is—it depends on your willingness to try. In 2025, therapy is more advanced, accessible, and effective than ever before, but it still requires commitment from both partners. The good news? You don’t have to wait until your relationship is falling apart. Therapy works best as a proactive step—not just a crisis tool.
✅ Final Takeaways:
• Therapy works for many couples, even those on the brink of separation.
• Modern methods and tools make it easier to find help that fits your schedule, lifestyle, and comfort level.
• The earlier you start, the better your chances of success. Don’t wait for rock bottom.
• You’re not alone—millions of couples turn to therapy every year and emerge stronger.
• It’s about effort, not perfection. Growth takes time, but every small step counts.
If your marriage feels worth saving, take the first step—whether it’s scheduling a session or just starting with a conversation. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about rediscovering what brought you together, learning how to love better, and choosing to grow together—even when it’s hard.
Read
FAQs:
Q1. How many therapy sessions does it usually take to see improvement?
Most couples begin to notice changes within 4–6 sessions, but deeper issues may take 12 or more. The key is consistency and openness—not rushing the process.
Q2. What if only one partner wants therapy?
While joint sessions are ideal, individual therapy can still help one partner gain clarity, improve communication, and influence positive change in the relationship. Sometimes, one partner’s growth encourages the other to join.
Q3. Is online marriage therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes. In 2025, online therapy has become widely accepted and effective, especially with video sessions and interactive tools. It offers privacy, flexibility, and accessibility for busy or long-distance couples.
Q4. Can therapy fix infidelity or betrayal?
Many couples recover after infidelity with the right therapist. Therapy helps rebuild trust, address the emotional root of the betrayal, and set new boundaries. It’s hard—but possible.
Q5. How do I know if a therapist is right for us?
Look for someone who is licensed, has experience with couples, and makes both of you feel heard. Don’t hesitate to try a few therapists before choosing the one that fits.
