Couples Therapy
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy. Therapy allows partners to assess their relationship, resolve conflict, and improve relationship satisfaction using various therapeutic interventions. Every couple is different, and the therapy plans will be tailored to the unique needs and requirements to get the results that the couple are striving for. Individuals not currently in an intimate relationship can attend on their own to reflect on former relationships and to think about what they want from future ones.
Individuals currently in an intimate relationship can attend on their own, if their partner does not want to attend, but it is usually better for both partners to attend. Partners are normally seen together, although some separate sessions with each individual can help. If domestic violence and control is a major issue in the relationship, this usually needs dealing with first. Therapy cannot take place without a sufficient sense of safety.
What to Expect in Couples Therapy:
Most couples come away from a therapy session with a greater understanding of their relational patterns and the necessary skills to effectively communicate and problem-solve with their partners. Not sure what to expect from therapy? We broke down the process for you.
Getting started with relationship therapy for couples:
Typically, the first therapy session begins with an assessment with exploration about the relationship’s history. You’ll likely also deep dive into each partner’s family of origin, values, and where you feel your problem lies. The therapist might use the initial sessions for crisis intervention if necessary.
A therapist might also begin identifying any issues that will be a focus during treatment. This is an effective way to establish treatment goals and the structure for each therapy session.
Your therapist will help you to gain insight into the issues that are causing problems in your relationship. They offer guidance to uncover the roles that each person plays in the different scenarios using an integrative approach.
Couples therapy will often lead to ‘homework’ so you can apply the skills you learn in treatment to your daily life and start to reap the benefits like improved communication, building or rebuilding trust and defusing situations that previously would have been of concern.
Who Should Consider Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is for everyone:
– Straight or gay relationships
– Interracial relationships
– Young teen or college relationships
– Relationships with a significant age gap
– Relationships that are at the dating, engaged, or married stage
For example, a recently engaged couple might find premarital therapy an invaluable opportunity to address relationship expectations before marriage.
Another couple, together 25 years, may discover marriage counselling as an effective way to regain a sense of excitement and romance in their relationship.
Common issues addressed in couples therapy include:
– Money
– Parenting
– Sex
– Infidelity
– In-laws
– Friends
– Chronic health issues
– Infertility
– Gambling
– Past trauma
– Substance use
– Emotional distance
– Frequent conflict
Why Do Couples Delay Receiving Therapy?
Too often, couples wait to try therapy until the relationship is severely damaged. This is not to say that couples therapy won’t be effective at a certain point. Generally speaking, the longer that therapy is put off and the problems deepen, the more difficult it can be to repair.
There are many reasons why people might put off getting therapy.
– Have misconceptions about what couples therapy is
– Not understand the purpose
– View it as a last-ditch effort before deciding to end the relationship
– Be afraid of the “taking sides”.
– Not truly understand the benefits couple’s therapy
The Advantages of Couples Therapy
Couple therapy can be a powerful tool for changing the course of your relationship so that both partners are happy, fulfilled, and satisfied.
Couples therapy also has the following advantages:
– Improved communication skills
– Bonding is strengthened when you feel like you are part of a team
– Build (or rebuild) trust: A healthy relationship requires trust.
– Improve your relationship dynamic (in less time)
Attempting to “fix” problems on your own can be frustrating, stressful, and time-consuming. Our therapists at Psyche Therapy are here to help you, every step of the way and can help you improve your relationship in less
time than you would if you tried to do it yourself.
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Landline: 0141 352 9957
management@psychetherapycentre.co.uk
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