top of page

Couples Therapy (50 minutes)

We have the know-how you need.

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy focused on helping two people involved in a romantic relationship recognize and reconcile difficulties and improve overall relationship satisfaction. The purpose of couples therapy is to enable couples of all types to gain new insight into intimate needs, overcome conflict, and develop new, adaptive communication tools utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. Through this process, the couple can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding and strengthening the relationship or going their separate ways.

Unlike individual therapy, couples therapy views the couple as the “identified patient,” rather than the individuals. Consequently, the therapist focuses their efforts on treating the relationship. The therapist will assist the couple in identifying the focus of treatment and establishing structure and goals for therapy. During treatment, the therapist will help the couple gain insight into the relationship dynamics and each individual’s role in maintaining the problem. In doing so, the couple will begin to change the way they view the relationship as well as each other. In an effort to promote success in therapy, patients are encouraged to be honest, forthcoming with information, consistent with appointments, and internally motivated for change.
 

The Why

Many couples seek therapy to strengthen their partnership and gain a better understanding of each other. Couples therapy is also useful for couples considering marriage. Common topics discussed in couples therapy include issues with communication, intimacy, child-rearing, in-laws, money, addiction, declining health, anger, infidelity, grief, mental illness, and emotional distance. It’s often helpful to view romantic relationships like cars. When you purchase a new car, it typically runs well for a while but ultimately will require maintenance down the road to keep the car operating at its best. Similarly, it’s best to repair the identified problem as quickly as possible to avoid further complications in the future.

When to Seek Couples Therapy:

Making the decision to begin couples therapy can be difficult, as it involves the couple acknowledging concerns in the relationship. However, seeking the support of a therapist is more effective than avoiding the issue or waiting for things to change. Often times people view couples therapy as a last resort when considering ending the relationship. However, couples therapy can be used to address a variety of relational issues in an effort to promote overall relationship satisfaction as well as individual mental health. Many individuals find couples therapy to be both enlightening and empowering.

What to Expect

Similar to individual therapy, the first session of couples therapy involves the therapist obtaining information from the couple about their history. While most therapy sessions involve both individuals being present, the therapist may occasionally recommend meeting with the individuals separately. Individual sessions allow the therapist to get to know the person on a deeper level while also providing an opportunity for the individual to learn more about themselves and their behaviors. The couple will discuss both positive and negative aspects of the relationship to better understand the underlying concerns. The length of couples therapy is contingent on the individual needs of the couple. At times, couples therapy will help the couple realize that their differences are truly irreconcilable and that ending the relationship is in the best interest of both parties. Sessions are then focused around providing the skills necessary to end the relationship on good terms.

bottom of page