What to expect from couples therapy

Couples therapy or any relationship therapy for that matter can seem intimidating, and yet it can be the best thing one can do for the relationship and for each partner involved. Let me start with what couples therapy ideally should not be. It is not a fault finding session, it is not a chance for one partner to put another one down. It is not a venting session, although at times some partners may need to engage in such behavior for a bit. However, the norm for each couples therapy session should not be such.

An experienced psychologist/therapist can guide the couple with finesse towards a stage of better understanding, better communication, and constructive conflict. Couples often come into therapy in anguish about topics/issues they have had since early in their relationship. They have tried to resolve these problems without success. Eventually, without help, couples move into a stage of apathy or not caring which can be the most dangerous phase for a relationship. Some conflict in relationships is actually a good sign; it means the partners still care about each other and their relationship. When one or both give up on what happens within the relationship, that is truly not a good sign.

So in couples therapy, the important goal is to help both partners see patterns in their behaviors and the often hidden reasons behind such behaviors. Once partners are able to understand the root cause of their loved one's actions, we can then work on replacing dysfunctional behaviors with functional and adaptive actions. Through facilitated interactions, couples learn to work together, as a team, to communicate their needs/wants/triggers to each other, and to achieve joint goals (WE instead of ME/I). Sounds too good to be true? I have seen this happen numerous times. With sincere commitment to the therapeutic process, you can rejuvenate your relationship and set it on a better course than it has ever been.

So what are you waiting for? If that spark is missing in your relationship, or you feel isolated despite being with your partner, don't wait too long. Email me for a consultation and we can jointly work on re-establishing connection.

Pre-marital counseling is also provided and strongly recommended. Want to take that next step and just want to be sure. Come in for a few sessions that might well be the best thing you do for your relationship.