What Can I Expect in Couples Therapy?

Starting therapy is never an easy decision. First and foremost, you may think, "How can I find couples counseling near me that is effective, confidential, and affordable?" "How long will couples therapy last?" "Who can ensure that even if I find couples therapy near me, it will work?"

With so many misconceptions about therapy out there, it's easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. Here are a few things you might expect in couples therapy to give you a general idea.

Couples Counseling Near Me: When Is It Time to Start?

Many couples only turn to couples therapy when they hit a rough patch. Research shows that, on average, couples delay seeking professional help for their relationship issues for six years. Although it's undoubtedly better to seek therapy at any stage rather than not at all, the real advantage lies in reaching out for help early on. Being proactive in this issue can prevent the accumulation of the problems, potentially sparing you from spending years in and out of psychotherapy.

You may want to consider going to couples therapy if:

·       You and your partner are always fighting about the same topics.

·       You plan to get married or live together.

·       There's been an affair going on.

·       You want to rekindle emotional connection and passion.

·       You struggle to adapt to a significant life transition. 

·       You experience parenting or in-law issues. 

What to Expect in Couples Counseling Near Me?

Here is what you can expect from your. expert couples therapist when you sign up for couples therapy:

Expect to Deal with Individual Issues

Expect to become more aware of what is happening within yourself and in your relationship and what you need to work on to improve it. Your therapist will encourage you to identify and work through personal issues that may be contributing to problems in your relationship, such as past trauma, insecure attachment, or mental health challenges.

Expect to Be Vulnerable and Dig Deep

Relationship therapy takes time. You can't expect your therapist to address your problems immediately. However, you can expect to learn how to open up and improve your communication, problem-solving, and understanding of each other's feelings to feel connected and safe with one another again.

Expect Empathy

A qualified couples therapist brings empathy, thoroughly absorbing and connecting with your feelings and experiences to ensure you feel validated. They will support you while encouraging you to change and grow.

Expect to Work A Lot

Progress in couples therapy depends on applying what you've learned in therapy to real-life circumstances. So, expect to practice outside therapy, as your therapist may give homework or weekly assignments to cure deep-seated difficulties and sustain positive change.

What Should I Look for in a Couples Therapist?

First, look for a therapist with the proper training and experience. Therapists who are trained as generalists often lack relationship-healing expertise and work solely on behalf of their clients. But without understanding all viewpoints, this may lead to biased advice. However, couples therapists are trained in communication patterns, relationship dynamics, the impact of clients' prior experiences on their relationship issues, and conflict resolution. A specialized couples counselor can customize advice to your relationship's requirements and issues, considering both partners' viewpoints and staying unbiased.

Ask friends and family who have been in couples therapy for referrals, use online therapist databases, visit their websites, or take advantage of the free consultations many therapists offer.

Want to see if couples therapy might help you improve communication in your relationship? Please reach out to see if we might work well together.