Every relationship has its ups and downs. Sometimes these challenges get to the point where they are overwhelming. And, although you want to make your relationship work, you don’t know how to fix it.
When you feel at your wit’s end, that’s where a couples therapist comes in. A therapist can give you an outside perspective and the skills to understand and change your relationship for the better.
But does couples counseling work? Read on to learn more about couples counseling and how it can help you.
What Is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling might be called relationship therapy, couples therapy, or marriage therapy. Regardless of what you call it, this type of counseling helps build communication and gives you the tools to work through the issues your relationship is experiencing.
You don’t have to be married to go to couples therapy. Anyone who wants to improve their relationship can go to couples counseling.
There is a variety of relationship issues couples counseling can tackle. From commitment issues and conflict to financial and substance abuse, counseling can help you work through it. Couples counseling provides a safe place and helps you set goals to get where you want to be in your relationship.
What to Expect In Couples Therapy
Every therapist will have different theoretical methods. Sessions will need to be tailored to your situation. So it’s best to search around to find a couples counseling therapist who listens to both parties and makes each of you feel comfortable and safe.
Your first therapy session will comprise your therapist asking you questions to get to know each of you. This way, they can understand your challenges and help you overcome them.
The therapist will use a variety of therapy methods to help. These include Gottman couple therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and behavior therapy.
Sessions are as a couple, but you could also have individual sessions to help you work on problems individually. Your therapist will have you do tasks to work on your issues inside and outside the session. These tasks build your communication and conflict resolution skills.
Does Couples Counseling Work? Here Are the Benefits of Couples Counseling
Couples therapy does help improve relationships. For example, emotionally focused therapy is 75% effective for couples across issues and cultures.
Through couples counseling, you will learn new skills and methods you and your partner can use to reach your relationship goals. Some skills you will learn in couples counseling include the following:
- Communication
- Anger-management
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Trust-building
- Stress-management
Additional benefits of couples counseling include reigniting passion and commitment, creating a positive relationship dynamic, and resolving past issues. For the best outcome, both you and your partner need to be committed to change and put in the effort outside therapy sessions.
Improve Your Relationship
Does couples counseling work? Yes, it can make your relationship challenges less overwhelming. Couples counseling helps you work through your current relationship issues. It provides you with the skills needed to overcome future challenges.
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