What to Expect in Your Relationship Counseling
So, you’ve been in individual counseling and have decided it is time to try couples therapy. While you may be familiar with the setup of individual counseling, couples therapy can feel a little different if it is the first time you have attended. Having two people in session can definitely change up the dynamic.
Couples Therapy | Fort Worth, Texas
In general, more people attend individual counseling than couples therapy. That is because it is much easier for one person to come to the decision to begin therapy than it is for a couple to mutually agree it is time to get professional help. Not every partner that comes in for couples therapy really wants to be there or thinks they need to be there. That can be challenging. Individual therapy is great when working on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, or stress management. But there may be times that issues involve you AND your partner. Your individual therapist may suggest you seek couples therapy to work on a relational issue or you might notice that in your individual sessions you continue to circle back to a specific issue you are having with your partner. Then it is time to address that concern with your partner in couples therapy. So, what differences might you expect in attending a couples session?
Couples Communication In/Out of Session
In couples therapy there is a great focus on how people communicate with each other whether it be verbal or nonverbal. Some couples are very mindful of their partner’s presence and are careful, maybe too careful. On the other hand, some couples are “blunt and direct” which also might not be the best practice. Depending on the communication styles and patterns the couples therapist observes, he or she may begin introducing helpful strategies to address problem areas in verbal sharing. These strategies will not resolve a couple’s issues but instead are intended to make it easier to hear each other. Often, couples have made numerous attempts to communicate their feelings and thoughts with little to no success at home which is what brings them to therapy in the first place. A couples therapist will encourage the couple to practice alternate ways for better results in and out of session. Don’t be surprised if during session your therapist blurts out “PAUSE, Let’s see if we can restate that comment you just made in a way that avoids sounding like criticism, judgment or blame.”
Sharing Space Together
When attending individual therapy, a client faces no competition or resistance from their partner. They tell their version of a story without concern that their partner will interject. It is easy for them to feel safe and secure in sharing intimate thoughts and feelings in the confidential space with their therapist. But when it comes to couples therapy, it can become a place of demonstrating a game of tug of war. Some couples feel a need to provide their perspectives in a way that escalates conflict instead of moving toward a place of growth and understanding. Couples are encouraged to express mutual respect and share their time in therapy responsibly.
Scheduling For Couples Therapy
When couples sign up for therapy, a couples therapist intends to see both partners in session. Most couples therapists will only provide services if both partners show up. If one partner is unable to make it, they could be facing a reschedule, cancellation, or a late cancellation fee. There may be occasions in which it is beneficial to attend solo but that would need to discussed ahead of time with the couples therapist. Discussing these potential events ahead of time with your therapist is helpful in case you and your partner find yourselves in this situation. For some couples, scheduling can be therapeutic since it requires individuals to synch up in order to meet a common goal.
Couples Therapy | Reconnecting Relationships Therapy
Are you interested in beginning the process of couples therapy? At Reconnecting Relationships Therapy, we have a team of Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Associates ready to work with you and your partner on addressing various concerns in relationships. Our therapists are trained to work with all kinds of relationships and all kinds of people. Schedule a consultation today if you are ready to take this important step in your relationship!
