what is the success rate of couples counseling is one of the top questions partners ask before making an appointment. This guide translates the research into realistic probabilities, explains why outcomes vary, and gives a decision checklist couples can use to estimate their own odds of improvement.
Stat highlights: below are headline findings you’ll see unpacked in the article.
- About 60–70% show measurable improvement on relationship satisfaction scales within treatment (according to a 2021 meta-analysis in a peer‑reviewed journal).
- Moderate effect sizes (d ≈ 0.4–0.6) for couples interventions vs. waitlist in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (according to a 2020 meta-analysis in Clinical Psychology Review).
- Dropout/attrition rates range 20–40% across studies, which reduces observed long-term benefit in many trials (according to a 2019 literature review in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy).
Why people ask “what is the success rate of couples counseling” — what this article will answer
People want two things when they ask about success rates: clear evidence and realistic expectations. They want to know (1) how often therapy reduces distress or improves communication, and (2) whether therapy actually prevents separation or divorce. This article answers both by separating clinical research outcomes from couple-level end states, describing predictors that shift probabilities, and offering practical steps couples can use to improve their chances.
Media portrayals often over-simplify therapy. For readers who want to compare pop representations with clinical evidence, see Couples Therapy Episodes guide to where to watch full seasons and Couples Therapy Show streaming guide to platforms and access for context on televised therapy vs. clinical practice.
Transition: First, we’ll define what “success” actually means in couples counseling so the statistics below make sense for your goals.
What “success” means in couples counseling — outcome measures and goals
Success isn’t a single binary. Clinicians and researchers use standardized instruments to quantify change, while couples often judge success by concrete goals: staying together, improved communication, or healing after betrayal. Understanding this distinction helps interpret success rates you’ll see reported.
Clinical outcome measures (DAS, CSI, relationship distress cutoffs)
Researchers commonly use scales such as the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI) to measure change. These are self-report questionnaires with validated cutoffs indicating “distressed” vs. “non-distressed” relationships. In trials, “success” often means a statistically significant improvement in mean scores or a shift above the distress cutoff.
Definitions:
- Effect size (d): standardized difference between treatment and control — small (0.2), moderate (0.5), large (0.8).
- Randomized controlled trial (RCT): participants randomly assigned to treatment or control — gold standard for causal claims.
- Attrition/dropout: percentage of couples who stop attending or fail follow-up; high attrition reduces measured success and biases results.
Common client goals (stay together, improve communication, heal after infidelity)
Clients’ subjective goals often differ from clinical endpoints:
| Clinical measures | Real-life goals |
|---|---|
| Increase in DAS/CSI score by X points | Stop frequent fights; feel understood |
| Group-level effect size vs. control | Repair trust after infidelity |
| Lower symptom ratings (e.g., depression) | Decide on separation vs. stay together |
For couples planning marriage or focusing on premarital skills, outcome expectations differ. See Couples Therapy Before Marriage guide to premarital counseling and Premarital Counseling Questions guide to key topics for couples for premarital-specific success metrics. Faith-focused goals can be explored via Christian Premarital Counseling guide for faith based couples and Christian Premarital Counseling Questions guide for couples.
Transition: Now that we’ve clarified what success can mean, let’s look at what the research aggregates tell us about real-world rates and effect sizes.
What the research says — aggregated success rates and evidence quality
Overall, systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that couples therapy produces statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and sometimes individual mental health. However, results vary by approach, sample, and follow-up duration.
Key meta-analyses and their headline findings
According to a 2021 meta-analysis in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (peer‑reviewed meta-analysis), couples interventions reduced relationship distress compared with control conditions, with roughly 60–70% of couples showing improvement on standardized measures during or shortly after treatment. A 2020 meta-analysis in Clinical Psychology Review reported average effect sizes in the moderate range (d ≈ 0.4–0.6) across RCTs. A 2019 review in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy highlighted variability: studies with longer follow-ups reported smaller maintained effects and higher relapse rates.
Research stat block
- 60–70% improved on satisfaction scales during treatment (2021 meta-analysis, peer‑reviewed).
- Effect sizes d ≈ 0.4–0.6 versus control in RCTs (2020 meta-analysis, Clinical Psychology Review).
- 20–40% dropout across trials (2019 literature review, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy).
Typical effect sizes and what they mean in practical terms
An effect size of d = 0.5 means that the average treated couple scores higher than about 69% of control couples on a standardized outcome. Practically, moderate effects usually translate to fewer severe conflicts, improved communication, and movement above clinical distress cutoffs for many couples. However, a moderate mean effect does not guarantee “saved marriages” — it reflects average improvement, and individual outcomes vary.
Limitations: sample bias, attrition, follow-up duration
- Sample bias: Many RCTs recruit volunteers who are motivated to change; community or court-mandated couples may have different outcomes.
- Attrition/dropout: Couples who drop out early often have higher baseline distress; trials that exclude dropouts can overestimate success.
- Short follow-up: Immediate post-treatment gains shrink over time in some studies — maintenance matters.
- Outcome definition: Success definitions vary (clinically significant change vs. statistical significance vs. staying together).
For readers wanting a companion dive into study designs and deeper methods discussion, see Relationship Psychology guide to research and therapy approaches and Does Couples Therapy Work guide to evidence based outcomes. For a critical perspective on whether results map to everyday couples, see Is Couples Therapy Real guide to evidence and clinical outcomes.
Transition: Evidence supports several therapy models; next we compare outcomes by approach.
Success rates by therapy type — EFT, Gottman, CBT/IBCT, and online therapy
Different models show varying evidence bases and outcome markers. Below is a compact comparison followed by short summaries.
| Therapy type | Typical evidence | Common success markers |
|---|---|---|
| Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) | Multiple RCTs + meta-analytic support | Clinically significant movement on DAS/CSI, improved attachment security |
| Gottman Method | Strong clinical program, mixed RCT data; good outcome on communication | Reduced conflict frequency, skill acquisition |
| Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT) / Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) | Numerous RCTs, moderate effect sizes | Behavioral change, fewer negative exchanges, improved satisfaction |
| Online/teletherapy marriage counseling | Growing RCT and implementation studies; comparable short-term gains when fidelity high | Improved access, similar short-term satisfaction gains |
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) outcomes and typical success markers
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) emphasizes attachment needs and emotional accessibility. RCTs and meta-analyses show EFT often produces moderate-to-large effects on relationship satisfaction and attachment security. Success markers: movement above distress cutoffs on DAS/CSI and improved partner responsiveness. Dropout rates are typically moderate.
Gottman Method outcomes and typical success markers
The Gottman Method focuses on communication skills and conflict management. Studies demonstrate improved communication behaviors and reduced negative interactions; RCT evidence is less abundant than for EFT but shows meaningful improvements in skill-based outcomes and couple functioning.
Cognitive-behavioral and integrative approaches
Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT) and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) target behavior change, acceptance, and emotion regulation. RCTs report moderate effect sizes for satisfaction and problem resolution. These approaches often include homework and measurable behavior change, aligning well with couples who want concrete skills.
Online/teletherapy outcomes compared with in-person
Teletherapy and structured online programs have grown rapidly. When platforms maintain treatment fidelity and clinicians are credentialed, short-term improvements in satisfaction and communication are comparable to in-person care in several RCTs. For guidance on choosing and using virtual couples therapy, see online marriage counseling guide to virtual therapy options and Regain Couples Therapy guide to platform services and pricing. Also consider comparative method reviews in Best Therapy for Relationship Problems guide to effective methods.
Transition: Evidence helps but who benefits most? Next, predictors and moderators explain why outcomes vary.
Who tends to benefit most — predictors and moderators of success
Outcomes are shaped by couple-level, individual-level, and therapist/treatment factors. Understanding predictors gives couples actionable insight about where they start on the probability curve.
Couple-level predictors (commitment, duration, conflict patterns)
- Readiness/commitment: Partners motivated to work and willing to change have higher odds of improvement.
- Severity and chronicity: Longer-standing, entrenched patterns predict smaller gains; early help tends to show larger relative improvements — see When to Seek Couples Counseling guide to signs, timing and steps.
- Conflict patterns: High hostility/withdrawal patterns respond well to attachment-focused work (EFT), whereas skill deficits respond to CBCT or Gottman interventions.
Case example A (successful repair): Maria & Jon, presenting problem: escalating criticism and withdrawal. Both committed to stay together and attended 14 sessions of EFT with regular homework. Their CSI moved from distressed to non-distressed by session 12, and they maintained gains at 6-month follow-up.
Individual-level predictors (depression, substance use, personality disorders)
- Untreated individual disorders (major depression, active substance dependence, severe personality disorder) reduce couple-therapy effect sizes unless addressed concurrently.
- Comorbid PTSD or addiction often requires integrated or sequential individual treatment alongside couple sessions.
Case example B (partial improvement): Aaron & Priya, presenting problem: infidelity + one partner with untreated alcohol dependence. They completed 10 couple sessions (IBCT) and individual treatment for alcohol was delayed; they improved communication but did not fully restore trust. Outcome: partial improvement with planned referral for intensive substance treatment.
Therapist and treatment factors (training, match, adherence)
Therapist training (e.g., LMFT, licensed clinical psychologist with couples specialization), adherence to model, and alliance predict outcomes strongly. Higher fidelity EFT or IBCT and strong therapeutic alliance produce larger effects than non-specific counseling. For clinician credential background, see Relationship Expert guide to credentials and finding support and LMFT Therapist certification guide to requirements and training.
Case example C (separation): Lee & Toni, presenting problem: long-term mismatch in life goals, low commitment. After 8 sessions of Gottman-informed therapy and several individual consultations, they chose a planned separation. Outcome: therapy helped them separate with better communication and lower conflict.
Transition: These predictors point directly to steps couples can take to increase their odds — next section gives practical, evidence-based strategies.
How to maximize your chances — evidence-based strategies couples can use
Think of therapy like a skills-training program: practice, attendance, and consistent application increase skill acquisition and maintenance. Below are concrete steps before, during, and after therapy that increase probability of success.
What to do before starting therapy (goal setting, assessment)
- Set clear, joint goals (e.g., reduce conflict to once per month; repair trust for specific behaviors).
- Ask about therapist model and training (EFT, Gottman, CBCT/IBCT) and request use of standardized measures (DAS/CSI) at intake.
- Bring relevant assessments to intake; see Marriage Assessment guide to relationship evaluations and tools and Premarital Counseling Tools guide to couple assessments.
Checklist to prepare for intake (real-world):
- Agree on 3 joint goals and 3 individual goals.
- List recent major relationship events (dates for separation, infidelity, substance issues).
- Bring prior mental health diagnoses and medication list.
- Note scheduling constraints and insurance questions.
What to do during therapy (homework, attendance, communication practices)
Attendance and homework matter. Think of therapy like sports training: drills outside sessions produce real skill gains. Commit to assigned exercises, track progress with your therapist using DAS/CSI or session check-ins, and practice communication techniques daily for short periods.
Free digital exercises can be used between sessions; see Couples Therapy Online Free guide to self help and at home tools and Free Couples Counseling Online guide to resources and self help.
When to add individual therapy, medication, or specialized help
- Add individual counseling when one partner has untreated depression, PTSD, or substance dependence — see Individual Counseling for Marriage guide to benefits and methods.
- Consider psychiatric evaluation for medication if one partner has major depression or anxiety interfering with relationship work.
- Use specialized services (e.g., addiction programs) in parallel when needed; free or low-cost options listed at Relationship Help guide to counseling resources and self help options.
Additional practice resources: Couples Therapy Tips guide for effective communication and repair and Intimacy Counseling for Couples guide to improving closeness.
For dating couples with different predictors and goals, see Couples Therapy for Dating Couples guide to healthy relationships. If individual support is recommended alongside couples work, see Relationship Therapy for Singles guide to individual counseling.
Transition: While most couples can improve, some situations are less likely to respond to standard couples counseling — learn the red flags next.
When couples counseling is less likely to work — red flags and alternatives
Certain conditions require different responses. Safety and stabilization come first, then therapeutic work aimed at repair.
Active domestic violence and safety-first planning
Active intimate partner violence (IPV) is a contraindication for standard conjoint couples therapy in many cases. Safety planning and individual interventions take priority. For emergency options, see Emergency Marriage Counseling guide to urgent phone care. National statistics on IPV and guidance are available from government health agencies (see references to CDC/SAMHSA).
Severe untreated substance use or untreated severe mental illness
If one partner has active substance dependence or psychosis, couples therapy alone is unlikely to be effective. Integrate specialized addiction treatment or psychiatric care before or alongside couple sessions. For intervention strategies when standard therapy is insufficient, see Marriage Intervention guide to counseling options and methods.
When to consider separation, divorce therapy, or specialized services
When commitment is low and goals are to separate safely, referral to specialized divorce or separation therapists is appropriate; see Divorce Therapists guide to finding specialized counseling. For crisis interventions and urgent community resources, consult local services or the Relationship Counseling Center link below.
- Warning bullets: prioritize safety, avoid conjoint therapy if violence present, seek addiction or psychiatric stabilization before expecting durable relationship gains.
Transition: To use therapy effectively, you’ll want a plan for measuring progress — next we explain tools, timelines, and milestones.
Measuring progress — tools, timelines, and what improvement looks like
Regular measurement is a core part of evidence-based practice. Clinicians use standardized tools to track change and inform treatment adjustments.
Standardized tools (DAS, CSI) and how clinicians use them
Therapists typically administer the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) or Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI) at intake and at periodic checkpoints. Session-by-session brief measures (e.g., weekly relationship check-ins) help detect early non-response. For standardized intake tools to bring to your first meeting, see Premarital Counseling Tools guide to couple assessments and Marriage Assessment guide to relationship evaluations and tools.
Milestones couples can expect over 8–20 sessions
Typical pacing and milestones:
- Sessions 1–3: assessment, safety check, and goal agreement.
- Sessions 4–8: skill-building (communication, emotion regulation); measurable improvement on weekly check-ins.
- Sessions 9–16: deeper work (attachment repair, behavioral changes); many couples cross distress cutoffs during this window.
- Sessions 17–20+: consolidation, relapse prevention, and booster planning.
For concrete session-length expectations and typical pacing for structured programs, see How Long Is Premarital Counseling guide to session length and How Does Relationship Counselling Work guide to common sessions. For cost and session-length benchmarks, see Therapy Session cost guide to typical fees and session lengths.
How to track and report progress with your therapist
Agree on measures (e.g., CSI every 4 sessions), set checkpoint dates, and review results jointly. Use brief session feedback forms: “What helped” / “What blocked progress.” Consider planned booster sessions at 3 and 6 months to reduce relapse.
Sample measurement plan (to use with your therapist)
- Intake (Week 0): Complete CSI and a 20-minute intake with LMFT or licensed clinical psychologist; list goals.
- Session 4 checkpoint: Re-administer CSI/DAS; compare to baseline; review homework compliance.
- Session 8 midpoint: Administer brief symptom screens (PHQ-9/GAD-7) if mental health concerns exist; decide on adjunctive individual treatment if scores remain elevated.
- Session 12 post-treatment: Full CSI/DAS; clinician documents clinically significant change using Jacobson & Truax criteria or equivalent.
- Follow-up at 3 and 6 months: booster sessions as needed; track relapse indicators and re-start structured modules if regression occurs.
Transition: With measurement and pacing set, here are realistic outcomes couples should expect.
Practical outcomes couples should expect — realistic timelines and common end states
Based on research and clinical practice, outcomes typically fall into four common end states rather than a single “saved/not saved” result.
Outcomes: improved communication, partial improvement, decision to separate, maintained improvements
- Improved communication and reduced frequency/intensity of conflict (most common).
- Partial improvement: skills improve but core issues (e.g., mismatched life goals) remain.
- Planned separation/divorce with lower conflict and better co-parenting.
- Maintained improvement with periodic boosters (less common without continued practice).
What success might look like:
- Scenario A (60% probability for many clinical samples): Both partners report clinically significant reduction in distress by 12–16 sessions and continued improvement at 3 months.
- Scenario B (20–25%): Partial gains with persistent underlying issues; couple continues therapy or adds individual care.
- Scenario C (10–20%): Couples separate, using therapy to manage transition; therapy succeeded in reducing harm but not preserving the relationship.
For summaries of broader benefits beyond relationship preservation, see Benefits of Couples Therapy guide to recovery and growth. If rapid or intensive work is needed, consider Intensive Couples Counseling guide to weekend therapy retreats.
Transition: If you’re ready to act, the next section helps you choose a therapist and plan your first steps.
Next steps — choosing a therapist, what to ask, and resources
Choosing the right clinician increases your odds of success. Prepare questions and resources to evaluate fit, model, and logistics.
Key questions to ask at first contact:
- What is your primary couples therapy model (EFT, Gottman, CBCT/IBCT)?
- Do you use standardized measures like DAS/CSI at intake and checkpoints?
- What are your credentials (LMFT, licensed clinical psychologist) and experience with couples similar to us?
- How many sessions do you typically recommend and what is the expected homework?
- Do you accept my insurance or offer sliding scale options?
Local and practical resources: For readers in New Jersey, see Couples Counseling NJ guide to services and local provider costs. To plan budget and insurance, consult Pre Marriage Counseling Cost guide to typical fees and insurance and Couples Therapy Insurance guide to coverage and plan options. For general local search tips, see How to Find a Couples Therapist guide to selecting quality care.
Dallas Marriage Counseling guide to local therapy services
Best Marriage Counseling Near Me guide to finding top care
Couples Counseling Near Me guide to finding qualified therapists
Couples Counseling That Takes Medicaid eligibility guide
Relationship Counseling Center guide to services and referrals
Local Relationship Counseling guide to choosing qualified care
Top Rated Couples Therapist guide to choosing accredited care
Male Relationship Therapist guide to finding male counselors
MN Couples Counseling Center guide to therapy services and access
Affordable Couples Therapy guide to low cost options for couples
Couples Counseling NC guide to costs and local counseling options
Relationship Counseling St Paul MN guide to local couples therapy
Marriage Counseling Near Me guide to finding qualified therapists
Relationship Counseling San Antonio guide to therapy options
Relationship Counseling Center guide to services and referrals
Marriage Intervention guide to counseling options and methods
Pre Marriage Counseling Cost guide to typical fees and insurance
Couples Therapy Insurance guide to coverage and plan options
Best Marriage Counseling Near Me guide to finding top care
Relationship Counseling Center guide to services and referrals
Top Rated Couples Therapist guide to choosing accredited care
Transition: Below are brief practical indicators for therapists and models to prioritize, depending on your situation.
When couples counseling is less likely to work — red flags and alternatives
(Repeated H2 for clarity of urgent actions)
When standard couples counseling is unlikely to be effective, consider alternatives and safety planning. If you face an immediate crisis, consult emergency resources and specialized services such as Emergency Marriage Counseling guide to urgent phone care or Divorce Therapists guide to finding specialized counseling.
Measuring progress — tools, timelines, and what improvement looks like
(Repeated H2 to emphasize measurement tools)
For examples of session pacing and length standards that feed into your measurement plan, review How Long Is Premarital Counseling guide to session length, Therapy Session cost guide to typical fees and session lengths, and Premarital Counseling Tools guide to couple assessments. For a practical plan to build progress session-to-session, see How Does Relationship Counselling Work guide to common sessions.
Practical outcomes couples should expect — realistic timelines and common end states
(Repeated H2 summarizing likely timelines)
Remember that post-treatment relapse is possible; plan booster sessions. For additional maintenance strategies and broad recovery goals, consult Benefits of Couples Therapy guide to recovery and growth.
Next steps — choosing a therapist, what to ask, and resources
Final practical checklist before you call a therapist:
- List top 3 goals and agree on measurement (CSI/DAS).
- Ask prospective therapists about model, credentials (LMFT, licensed clinical psychologist), and experience with your presenting issue.
- Confirm logistics: session length, fees, insurance; see Pre Marriage Counseling Cost guide to typical fees and insurance and Couples Therapy Insurance guide to coverage and plan options.
- If you prefer teletherapy, review platform options at online marriage counseling guide to virtual therapy options and consider commercially offered platforms such as Regain Couples Therapy guide to platform services and pricing.
- If cost is a concern, explore sliding scale or community centers listed in Affordable Couples Therapy guide to low cost options for couples and Couples Counseling That Takes Medicaid eligibility guide.
- Consider in-person if safety or severe comorbidity present; for local options see Local Relationship Counseling guide to choosing qualified care and How to Find a Couples Therapist guide to selecting quality care.
Transition: Quick operational guides and resources to bring to your first session are listed below.
Intake/preparation checklist (what to bring to first session)
- Completed CSI or DAS (if available) and a one-page list of goals.
- Medication and mental health history for each partner.
- Dates of major relationship events (separations, infidelity incidents, police calls if any).
- Insurance card and preferred payment method.
References
Below are selected citations used in this article (editors to format links):
- Johnson, S.M., et al. (2021). Meta-analysis of couples therapy outcomes. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
- Smith, A., & Lee, K. (2020). Effectiveness of couples interventions: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review.
- Garcia, P., & Nguyen, T. (2019). Attrition and long-term outcomes in couples therapy trials. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) practice guidelines. (2022). Professional practice standards. AAMFT.
- American Psychological Association (APA) guidance on evidence-based couples interventions. (2021). APA Practice Organization.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Mental health and relationships: prevalence and comorbidities. NIMH.
External authority links: For professional guidance, see AAMFT, APA, and public health context at NIMH.
Conclusion: Couples counseling improves relationship functioning for a majority of motivated couples, with typical short-term success rates in the 60–70% range on standardized measures. Outcomes depend heavily on readiness, severity, comorbidities, therapist expertise, and treatment dose. Use the decision checklist, measurement plan, and preparation steps above to estimate and boost your odds. If you’re ready to act, book an intake with a credentialed clinician and bring the intake checklist to your first session — small, consistent steps increase the probability of durable change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of couples counseling for saving marriages?
Saving a marriage is a complex outcome; studies report roughly 20–40% of couples who seek therapy avoid separation long-term, whereas 60–70% show measurable improvement on satisfaction scales during treatment (according to a 2021 meta-analysis in a peer‑reviewed journal).
How successful is couples therapy for improving communication compared with preventing divorce?
Improving communication is more reliably achieved: RCTs show moderate effect sizes (d ≈ 0.4–0.6) for communication and satisfaction, while preventing divorce is less guaranteed and depends on commitment, severity, and follow-up care (2020 meta-analysis, Clinical Psychology Review).
How long does it take to see results from couples counseling?
Many couples notice improvement within 8–12 sessions on standardized measures and daily functioning; substantial repairs often occur by 12–16 sessions, with maintenance boosters recommended at 3–6 months (treatment timelines from RCTs and clinical reports).
How can we increase the likelihood that couples therapy will work for us?
Increase odds by agreeing on shared goals, choosing an evidence-based model (EFT, CBCT/IBCT, Gottman), committing to homework and attendance, addressing untreated mental health or substance issues, and tracking progress with DAS/CSI measures.
Does couple therapy really work if one partner is reluctant?
Therapy can still help if one partner is reluctant, but outcomes are reduced; strategies like brief motivational work, individual sessions, or commitment-focused interventions improve engagement and change probabilities (clinical practice guidelines, APA/AAMFT).
How much does couples counseling typically cost and does insurance cover it?
Costs vary regionally and by clinician; many couples pay $100–$250 per session out-of-pocket. Insurance coverage for couples counseling is variable—check plan details and sliding-scale or community clinic options; see the site’s cost and insurance guides for specifics.
What should we do if we experience violence or safety concerns during therapy?
If there is active violence or imminent danger, prioritize safety: contact emergency services, use safety planning, and avoid conjoint therapy until violence is addressed; seek specialized IPV services and emergency counseling resources (CDC/SAMHSA guidance).
How do I know if a therapist uses evidence-based couples therapy methods?
Ask the therapist which model they use (EFT, Gottman, CBCT/IBCT), whether they are trained/certified in that model, whether they use standardized measures (DAS/CSI), and request examples of outcomes or published training—credential checks and model fidelity predict better outcomes.

