Couples therapy is more common than you might think! Usually it begins with one or both individuals finding themselves unhappy with the current status of their relationship. Maybe you aren't communicating as well as you used to, or don't feel as connected to one another anymore. Couples therapy can also occur as "preventative maintenance" to keep an already happy relationship strong! Working with couples is many of our clinicians' favorite forms of therapy.
When to Consider Couples Therapy
- Have we lost touch with the love we once had?
- Do we have different communication styles?
- Has our sex life disappeared?
- Do we have the same argument over and over again?
- Is our relationship starting to affect our children?
- Do we find ways to avoid one another instead of handling our issues right away?
- Has one of us had an affair?
- Am I thinking about having an affair?
- Are we unable to be honest with one another?
- Are one or both of us considering an open relationship and would like assistance in this unique new lifestyle choice?
What to Expect in Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is designed to meet your needs as a couple. Initially your therapist will want to get an understanding of the issues that are happening within your relationship. Both individuals will have an opportunity to express their concerns about the relationship. Thereafter, your therapist will want to learn more about your history as a couple thus far as well as your individual pasts. Once all the background information is gathered, you and your therapist will discuss and create a plan-of-action to address your goals as a couple.
Couples Therapy is not an opportunity to point fingers, but instead to understand how the current dynamic is not working and to make appropriate modifications. Over time, you will learn new skills and grow together in the direction you desire. It is not your therapist's responsibility to keep you together; if separating or breaking up is the best thing for your relationship, your therapist can help with this process as well as your individual needs and/or family needs. Your therapist is not a lawyer--their main concern is your mental health needs, communication, and creating the best family dynamics possible.
Couples Therapy is not an opportunity to point fingers, but instead to understand how the current dynamic is not working and to make appropriate modifications. Over time, you will learn new skills and grow together in the direction you desire. It is not your therapist's responsibility to keep you together; if separating or breaking up is the best thing for your relationship, your therapist can help with this process as well as your individual needs and/or family needs. Your therapist is not a lawyer--their main concern is your mental health needs, communication, and creating the best family dynamics possible.
Couples therapy is also available for individuals whose partner is uninterested in attending therapy with them.
6 Reasons To Go To Couples Therapy, Even If Your Partner Won’t - By Brittany Wong
6 Reasons To Go To Couples Therapy, Even If Your Partner Won’t - By Brittany Wong
