Relationship counseling, also known as Couples therapy and marriage counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. It is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within relationship counseling include:
- Jealousy
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Opposing values
- Different visions for the future
- Disagreements in parenting
- Lack of trust
- Financial distress
- Sex issues
Relationship counseling 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 relationship counseling for 12 weeks. However, relationship counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
Relationship/Communication Counseling – Therapists and Counselors in Hanover, VA
Couples need effective and healthy communication to cultivate a successful relationship. Without good communication, issues are allowed to grow and fester and ultimately create a rift that can be detrimental to the relationship.
At Thriveworks Hanover, one of our couples therapy and marriage counselors can assist you and your partner in improving and developing open and honest communication in your relationship. We encourage you to call or schedule online to get started.
How Can Thriveworks Hanover Help Us?
Relationships are difficult. There are never easy answers, but there are many tangible ways couples therapy may be able to help. Two primary ways include:
De-escalating the conflict. When partners are struggling, they can begin to attack each other instead of the problem. When conflict escalates, it becomes more difficult to solve. Couples counselors can often de-escalate conflict and focus partners’ attention upon what matters most.
Prioritizing which changes will help the couple most. Some changes will make a big impact and should be made immediately. Others are important, but they can wait. Experienced couples counselors can help couples see the difference.
What Counseling Approaches Will Be Used?
While our counselors will adapt their approach to fit you and your couple’s unique needs, some of the most common approaches for couples and marriage counseling include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors within the relationship, aiming to improve communication and problem-solving skills.
- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): EFT helps couples identify and understand underlying emotions and attachment needs, fostering a deeper emotional connection and strengthening the bond between partners.
- Gottman method couples therapy: Based on extensive research, this approach emphasizes building friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning to enhance relationship satisfaction.
- Imago Relationship Therapy: Imago therapy explores childhood experiences and patterns of interaction to promote understanding and empathy between partners, facilitating healing and growth within the relationship.
- Solution-focused therapy (SFT): This brief and goal-oriented approach focuses on identifying and building upon the strengths and resources within the relationship, encouraging couples to envision and work towards their preferred future together.
Schedule Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks Ashland
If you’re ready to see the difference that a mental health professional can make, call Thriveworks Ashland to get started. When you do, our support team will help you with the process: everything from setting up your insurance to booking your first session is made easy with their help.
And with support available seven days a week, we’ve taken the hassle out of everything. Thriveworks opens the door to exclusive benefits, including:
- A fast response time from your provider’s office. Most of our clients have their first session within a week of calling in for the first time.
- Flexible appointment options, including those in the evenings and on the weekends.
- Being able to schedule your session online, or in person.
- A wide range of accepted insurance options.
With a provider’s support, you and your partner will be able to see the path forward more clearly. Give us a call, or schedule online to begin today.
