What You Need To Know About Couples Therapy
Shanna-Kay Stephens
August 13, 2021
Couples therapy should be considered an investment in your relationship. It helps to build a strong connection between a couple by providing a safe space to be honest with each other. This provides the relationship with a strong foundation to deal with any difficulties the couple may encounter.
When Is Couples Therapy Useful in a Relationship?
While the obvious answer is when the couple is experiencing conflict or difficulties in their relationship, many argue it is beneficial at any time in a relationship. The consensus seems to be most couples need therapy before they actually start thinking about it.
Often issues start small, but when the conflict does not get resolved, the issues escalate. Couples therapy teaches communication strategies that are useful throughout the relationship.
Benefits of Couples Therapy
Therapy is a safe space to talk about a range of issues, including sensitive ones. The focus is often on improving communication within the relationship, so the couple have the skills to deal with issues when they occur in the future. Communication is also key in exploring any causes of the current conflict and finding ways to resolve them.
Often therapy is beneficial during times of transition within the relationship. These could include when the couple gets married, have children, children leave home, or when the couple retires.
Both partners need to show a commitment to the therapy to get the full benefit.
These sessions also help couples to evaluate their priorities, such as an appropriate work-life balance. In some instances, the therapy process can mean that couples start appreciating each other more, and the romance is rekindled.
Alternatively, couples may use the sessions to discern whether to resolve their issues or to end the relationship and begin exploring difficult topics such as separation, divorce, new living arrangements, or the care arrangements for any children and pets.
What Happens During Therapy?
Every therapist will organize their sessions differently, but as a general rule, the therapist will spend time getting to know the couple and work with them to set goals for the therapy sessions. The therapist will also talk with the couple about any problem areas they need to work on.
Some therapists will set the couple homework or tasks to be completed outside of the sessions. This homework may provide the starting point for the next session with the therapist.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule. Some couples may get on top of things after just a few sessions, while others may need several months to get to where they want to be. It really does depend on the couple, their issues and goals, and their commitment to the process.
Therapy should always be viewed positively. It is not a sign of failure; rather, it signifies the couple’s commitment to each other and the relationship.
Therapy Table provides couples with an opportunity to invest in their relationship, each other, and the future.
Start Couples Therapy Today
What are you waiting for? The benefits of couple’s therapy can help you move forward.
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