Couples therapy can be very beneficial, especially if both partners are willing to work on a relationship. Relationships can be hard work, and just like a car, it can take some regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Couples therapy provides the kind of help that can prevent more serious complications from happening down the road.
When is a good time to go?
You may decide to go for counseling when you’re going through a specific crisis in your relationship, but you don’t have to wait for a crisis to get help. Couples therapy can strengthen your relationship at any time and prevent you from drifting apart. It can improve your conflict resolution and help you solve any issues that may be present.
Trying to find a therapist can be difficult because you need to find someone both of you can trust. Zencare helps you to find a therapist who can provide couples therapy. On the website, you will see the profiles of different therapists and those who specialize in couples therapy. You can watch an introductory video and arrange a free call with a therapist to see if the person is a good fit for both of you.
What if one of you doesn’t want to go for therapy?
Hopefully, both of you will want to go for therapy when you’re experiencing relationship difficulties, but one partner is usually keener to go than the other. If this is the case, it helps to let the reluctant partner know how much their willingness to go is appreciated. A good therapist is trained to draw out a reluctant party and help the person express what’s on their mind and how they’re feeling.
What can you expect in the first session?
Typically, the first session will begin with questions about the history of the relationship, each partner’s family of origin, values and cultural background. The couple therapist will assist the couple in identifying issues to focus on, establishing some treatment goals and deciding what type of treatment is necessary. Progress can be hard to measure unless there are specific goals in place.
When is online therapy the best option?
Online couples therapy is ideal for couples where one partner travels frequently, or both partners have very different schedules. It helps when couples find it difficult to coordinate a time to attend in-person therapy sessions.
Couples who have difficulty finding childcare can also benefit from online sessions. Doing online sessions can also help to reduce the stigma of receiving couples therapy and make it more accessible and affordable.
Can you have input on the direction of your therapy?
A couple may find that they don’t feel comfortable about the direction of the therapy. If this is the case, they shouldn’t be afraid to address this with the therapist. A good therapist will welcome input like this and not have hurt feelings. It can lead to a deeper relationship and more fruitful communication.
Of course, there are cases where a therapist simply isn’t the right fit which is why taking the time to choose one in the first place is so important.
What kind of results can you expect?
Unfortunately, many couples only try therapy when there’s already significant damage. This makes therapy more challenging and requires commitment and effort from both parties. Couples therapy can salvage a struggling marriage, but even the best therapists are unable to save certain relationships.
Sometimes both parties aren’t committed to wanting to make the relationship work. When therapy is the last-ditch attempt to save a relationship, it may be too late. The success of couples therapy depends on the willingness of both parties to work on the relationship.