Couples Counseling
What Is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help couples navigate and resolve various issues in their relationship. Whether you're facing communication problems, trust issues, disconnection, conflict, or simply want to enhance your bond, couples therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment to work through these concerns.
What Does Couples Therapy Look Like?
Couples therapy sessions typically involve the following:
Initial Assessment: Your therapist will start by getting to know you and your partner. This is a crucial step where you can openly discuss your concerns and goals for therapy.
Setting Goals: Together with your therapist, you'll establish clear objectives for your therapy journey. These goals will guide your sessions and measure progress.
Effective Communication: One of the core focuses of couples therapy is improving communication. You'll learn valuable skills to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.
Conflict Resolution: You and your partner will work on identifying and resolving conflicts. This may involve exploring the root causes of issues and finding healthier ways to manage them.
Rebuilding Trust: If trust has been eroded in your relationship, therapy can provide a path to rebuilding it through understanding, forgiveness, and consistent actions.
Strengthening Connection & Intimacy: Whether physical or emotional, therapy can help you rekindle and deepen your connection.
Homework Assignments: Your therapist may suggest exercises or homework to practice what you've learned in therapy between sessions.
Resources
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. In addition to working with an experienced therapist who specializes in couples counseling, there are valuable additional resources to lean on.
-
Consider reading books like "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by Dr. John Gottman or "Hold Me Tight" by Dr. Sue Johnson. These books provide valuable insights and practical advice for improving your relationship.
-
Websites like The Gottman Institute (www.gottman.com) and Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) offer articles, quizzes, and information on relationships and therapy.
-
There are various apps designed to improve relationship skills such as “Lasting” and “Relish”
-
Workbooks like "The Relationship Cure Workbook" or “Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by Dr. John Gottman or “Hold Me Tight Workbook” by Dr. Sue Johnson can help you and your partner practice new skills at your own pace.