Marriages globally are failing, not just in the US. For every 500 couples in the US, there are about five divorces. Sometimes, divorces are the best option, but in most cases, couples therapy sessions provide a very healthy way forward and heal damages.
Through couples counseling therapy, you can pinpoint the sources of your conflict in a relationship. You will get the right tools you may use to improve your relationship.
Understanding Couples Therapy
Couples therapy sessions are dedicated to partners looking to improve their relationships through a well-trained therapist’s help. As a couple, you will discuss your concerns, thoughts, and feelings during counseling in a structured and safe environment.
Therapists often act as mediators, helping partners effectively communicate, solve their issues, and understand each other’s perspectives.
A therapy session also provides a space to address trust issues, conflicts, and communication breakdowns and learn new skills to improve your relationship. This session is tailored to couples’ unique needs.
Preparing for a Couples Therapy
Preparing for your couples therapy might seem daunting, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Relationshipsandmore.com offers couples counseling therapy in Croton-on Hudson, NY, may help you learn new strategies for supporting, connecting with, and trusting each other.
Before you start, beginning the process with a very open mind is crucial. The truth is that you don’t have to be at rock bottom for the session to work. However, you need to discuss your privacy expectations and goals together beforehand.
You can prepare for the session in two main ways. First, you will need to reflect on relationship/individual dynamics. Look for dynamics or patterns that contribute to your issues.
Second, talk about your goals. Considering your objectives and goals a couple of days ahead will enable you to spend quality time with your counselor. Some of the couples’ goals you can have include:
- Creating five-year plans
- Learning more about resolving conflicts
- Hashing out differences related to major decisions
- Improving listening and communication skills
- Creating a connection
- Synching up parenting styles
Meeting Your Therapist
Establishing trust with a counselor during the first therapy session is important. This first meeting is there to help couples feel comfortable and even start developing a solid bond with their therapist.
It is very normal to have concerns or doubts about your first therapy. Your worry is probably about feeling susceptible or sharing personal problems with a total stranger.
However, it is important to voice those concerns with your counselor. Being open about all your concerns will help you start establishing that important trust.
Assessing Your Relationship
Most therapists want their clients to share their stories and provide background on their experiences. The first appointment concentrates on determining who we are as individuals and couples.
Therapists can also ask several questions to ensure they understand what you are trying to explain as a couple. They can set an individual appointment with each partner or speak to each partner separately.
During couples counseling, therapists take notes to help them remember the details. They can also observe how you communicate and interact because this provides dynamics and information about a relationship.
Different therapists or counselors approach situations in various ways, and your unique situation will play an important role in how they will handle it.
Getting Started
Therapists work differently. Some use structured questionnaires to assess your reasons and history for seeking therapy. Others prefer to work in less structured ways, starting a conversation and letting the conversation flow. Most therapists will be more interested in learning about all the partners, including their experiences and perspectives.
Other Things to Expect
When attending your first couples counseling session, you may think you already know what to anticipate. But the truth is that some surprises may catch you off guard.
First sessions aren’t limited to talking and sitting down. They can be more nuanced experiences that may reveal unexpected truths regarding yourselves and your relationships. Here are other things to expect from the session:
- A Therapist Will Set the Tone
The goals of the first couple of therapy sessions are to improve and establish rapport between a therapist and a client. This can start like other relationships, with getting more comfortable and chatting. For instance, a therapist can give a couple an opportunity to share what really brought them to the therapy session. This will help the therapist be on the same page with the couple.
Therapists often use various techniques to help couples. Some take more structured approaches, whereas others are experiential. Your counselor might use homework and handouts, while others can concentrate on the dynamic and conversation in the therapy session.
- Emotional Outburst Isn’t Tolerated
You may expect a therapy session to be a rational and calm discussion. However, emotions usually run high, and this is okay.
An emotional outburst is not just tolerated but a crucial part of the therapy process. This moment may result in breakthroughs, especially if handled with understanding and care.
How does this unfold? It is simple. If emotions flare up, therapists can help couples navigate them by using an outburst to facilitate healing and uncover deeper issues.
- Cover Certain Topics
The first couple of therapy sessions are where the boundaries and rules for the session are set. During the first session, couples should expect a therapist to discuss mandatory and confidential report situations, their policies concerning cancellations, and which methods they use when working with couples.
Once these details are covered, a couple therapist will take a history from you by covering the problems or issues and bringing the partners to the counseling. A therapist can ask questions, such as:
- What are you expecting from the therapy?
- What have you done to resolve those issues as a couple?
- Which issues have you experienced in the relationship?
- Have you ever attended a therapy session before?
In conclusion, couples therapies are not always easy to deal with. You may find yourself rehashing old arguments, feeling susceptible, or reliving painful memories. This is very normal.
However, if you can work through tough situations, therapy will be a powerful tool to strengthen your relationship. A therapist will always be there to support you as a couple.