Couples counseling has helped many unhappy couples feel unstuck. The relationships, can, many times, be saved. Some of the most common questions we hear from couples when the begin couples therapy are, “Can you help us decide if we should stay together” or “Can our relationship be saved?”
These are not easy questions to answer. However, we see it as part of our work to help you, get more clarity and answer these questions on your own, as a couple. Trust and communication are common starting points in the couple’s treatment process.
How can couples counseling help?
Some couples wonder if couples therapy can really benefit their relationship. One good starting point is both people acknowledging they might benefit from help.
Another solid second step is identifying what you do to make things worse. This tends to be the opposite of most of our reflexes. Most people notice what is being done to them (or not done) more then what they do to spark things off or keep things going. We can get more control, early in the process, by focusing on what we can do to bring change. It is rarely “all him” or “all her.”
We weave the fabric of our relationship over time. As such, there are many interconnected pieces in intimate relationships. This richness also means there are many points where we can begin to make positive change.
Change starts with awareness not just of the other person but also of yourself. If one or both of you have anxiety or depression you may also benefit from individual therapy in addition to or before beginning couples counseling.
What should I expect?
Couples therapy can take 2 to 60 sessions, or more, depending on your goals. Couples therapy appointments are typically 45 to 120 minutes.
Similar to our treatment approach with individual therapy, when working with couples, we integrate empirically validated treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, IMAGO, with Psychodynamic therapy to help couples gain the skills to communicate better, resolve conflict, enhance intimacy, and strengthen bonds.
Couples therapy may also include sex therapy depending on your goals. Working through difficulties together can be a starting point for growth, bring a deeper connection, closeness, and a fuller sense of love.
If you need help with parenting challenges we offer Parent Coaching and Parent Groups in Sarasota and Venice, FL and Online.