What is couple’s therapy?
Couples therapy focuses on working through relational dynamics between intimate partners. Couples therapy is aimed at leading each individual in the couple closer to their goals and to overall satisfaction, and to promote harmony within the relationship; which can include building connection between partners, or finding peace with separation.
How can couple’s therapy help?
Couples in therapy often learn more about themselves, their partner(s), and the relationship dynamic. Couples therapy provides a safe space with an unbiased third party who is skilled at promoting healthy communication and assists the couple in deepening an understanding of the underlying dynamics at the core of their conflicts. Couples therapy promotes deeper connection, healthier conflict resolution, and resolution of maladaptive relational dynamics.
What to expect in couple’s therapy?
In couples therapy, your therapist wants you to come as you are. As you show your true relationship dynamics in session, the therapist will better be able to assist in moving through and healing these patterns. Your therapist will remain unbiased and make an effort to hear, understand, and empathize with each partner’s perspective, while also promoting this understanding between the partners as well. In therapy, you will learn fundamental communication skills and be guided to practice these skills in and out of session. Your therapist may collaborate with you to assign homework outside of session to lead you closer to your goals as a couple.
How long does couple’s therapy last?
This depends on several factors, including the therapist’s treatment modality, the severity of conflict within the dynamic, and each partner’s readiness for change. It is likely that at minimum, treatment may last 8-10 weeks, however this is highly variable. Some couples utilize therapy for years as a space to consistently check in and work on their relationship growth.
How long are couple’s therapy sessions, and how often should we go?
This is dependent on you and your therapist, and is an important topic to discuss in the onset of treatment. Couples therapy sessions are typically either 1 hour or 1.5 hours. It is typically recommended to begin treatment weekly, and as the relationship sees improvement to gradually reduce frequency of sessions to biweekly, then monthly.
How do I know if my therapist is a good fit?
In couples therapy, it is imperative that each partner feels connected with the therapist, as it is vital for the success of treatment to create a healthy therapeutic relationship. You will know your therapist is a good fit when each partner feels heard and understood by the therapist, and when it feels like the therapist is focused on the goals you set for treatment.