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.
Silver Spring, MD Marriage Counseling—Montgomery Couples, Relationship Therapy
Making the decision to attend marriage therapy can be tough for many married couples – here are some considerations which might help you make up your mind:
- Serious problems affect your relationship and there is no easy way to resolve them. These can include infidelity, sexual dissatisfaction, poor communication, an inability to reconcile fundamental principles and life expectations (e.g. having kids) or financial disputes.
- Simpler and less severe, but often equally damaging, difficulties have developed over time – for example, you and your spouse have grown indifferent towards one another or your repetitive petty arguments regularly grow into bigger disputes.
- You have noticed that the long-term discord within your marriage has started to seriously undercut you and your partner’s happiness, as well as physical and mental health.
Marriage Therapy—What Is It, What Is It Not?
Marriage and couples counseling is a form of therapy designed to improve communication, teach conflict resolution skills and help couples work towards a happier relationship. Counseling will not provide simple remedies to all marital problems – a counselor is an impartial intermediary who facilitates the resolution, but does not dictate the terms on which it should be achieved. Partners are encouraged to reach conclusions of their own.
The counseling sessions often last between 45-90 minutes, depending on the therapist, as well as on the wishes of his or her clients. There are no fixed guidelines on the duration of marriage counseling – some couples will observe an improvement already after a few weeks, whilst others will need longer to see the progress.
Most marriage therapists and psychologists will focus on teaching their clients how to keep their emotions under control, become better listeners, communicate with each other in a productive manner and prevent conflict intensification.
Marriage Therapy At Thriveworks Silver Spring, MD
Our marriage and couples counseling therapists may employ one or more of the following therapies, among others, to assist you and your partner in coping with relationship issues:
- Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT):Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors within the relationship, promoting healthier communication and problem-solving skills.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):Helps couples identify and address underlying emotional needs and attachment patterns, fostering greater intimacy, trust, and connection in the relationship.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy:Based on research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this approach helps couples build stronger relationships by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and increasing intimacy.
- Imago Relationship Therapy:Focuses on understanding and healing childhood wounds and past relationship patterns that may impact the current relationship, promoting empathy and deeper connection between partners.
- Solution-Focused Couples Therapy:Emphasizes identifying and building on strengths within the relationship, setting goals, and implementing practical solutions to address specific issues or concerns.
- Narrative Couples Therapy: Helps couples reframe their relationship narratives and create new, empowering stories that promote understanding, resilience, and positive change.
Schedule with Thriveworks Silver Spring
Here at Thriveworks Silver Spring, MD in Montgomery County our experienced marriage counselors offer support to people at all stages of their relationship. As a result of our broad experience, we have come to understand that there is no single ‘best’ approach to a successful marriage therapy. All of our sessions are tailored to ensure that our clients’ needs and expectations are met.
Finding a solution to your marital problems is possible – Thriveworks Silver Spring is there to help. So why not call us today to arrange your first marriage therapy session with a caring counselor or psychologist?
