Couples therapy works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular couples therapy sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.
On average, couples attend couples therapy for 12 weeks. However, couples therapy may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
Do We Need Couples Therapy?
Every couple experience ups and downs throughout their relationship. Couples therapy can also be used as a preventative measure and equip the couple with tools to help them avoid pitfalls that many other couples face in their relationship.
Thriveworks Ashland encourages you and your partner to schedule couples therapy; call or book online to begin.
When to Seek Relationship Counseling
Typically, when a couple is in distress, the situation can seem hopeless and emotionally draining. Agreeing to go to couples’ therapy may help you get to the root of the issue and potentially help you find a solution or determine if some time apart temporarily or permanently may be the best solution. Here’s how couples counseling can potentially help you:
1. Does the relationship need a new perspective?
-
A therapist can help couples see both sides and provide and objective assessment of the issues they may be facing. The therapist helps the couple eliminate blaming each other and fosters an environment where responsibility can be taken where needed. Creating a new narrative for the couple is essential in helping to alleviate the tension they may be feeling.
2. Therapists can help couples change or improve dysfunctional behavior. Dysfunctional behavior can impede the progress of any couple, especially if this behavior is used during an argument. By working on eliminating dysfunctional behavior, couples can also reduce the escalation of conflict.
3. Therapy can help couples decrease emotional avoidance. Individuals who avoid expressing their private feelings can benefit from therapy because it could help prevent them from becoming emotionally distant. Effective couples’ therapy can help create an environment where couples feel emotionally secure and open them up to revealing emotions they would typically keep inside.
4. Therapy can help couples improve communication. Communication is one of the “three C’s” of healthy intimacy. Building effective communication can help reduce tension, stress, and conflicts. Partners who struggle the most are the couples who have issues communicating and an effective manner. Many couples complain of not being heard or understood by their partner are essentially admitting that they are communication issues.
Schedule Online with Thriveworks Ashland
Couples therapy can help them identify ways to build and maintain a healthy and intimate relationship. If you are struggling in your relationship, reach out by phone or schedule online with a Thriveworks counselor in Ashland, VA today.
