Your Guide to Successful Couples Counselling
As most of us have experienced, romantic partnerships are really hard work. Even the happiest, most rewarding marriages are going to encounter problems and issues over the years.
And that’s where couples counselling comes in. Generally, couples seek counselling when they experience dissatisfaction with some aspect of their marriage or long term partnership. While they may be apprehensive or intimidated about their first session, modern approaches to couples counselling have been proven to be highly effective (up to 75% and higher according to the American Psychological Association).
Let’s talk a bit more about the benefits of couples counselling. We’ll also touch on what you can expect from your sessions and how to make the most of your time with your relationship therapist.
What Could We Gain From Couples Therapy?
You really can resolve relationship issues from couples counselling. Benefits include:
- Developing better communication skills with your partner
- Improving intimacy on all levels
- Understanding of our partner – their past history, their struggles, their fears and hopes
- Mediation when conflicts arise or when the relationship is coming to an end or transition
- Learning how to approach conflict constructively
- Strengthening family bonds and shared goals
What Can We Expect From Our Sessions?
The first session will involve some initial discussion about ground rules for the sessions and any specific policies your therapist feels you should know. After that, your couples counsellor will work to help you both feel comfortable and safe. They will ask you about your relationship story and begin to get an idea of some of the challenges and issues that have arisen in your relationship.
Your therapist should share what methodologies they use in couples counselling. The two main therapeutic models used in modern marriage and couples therapy are EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and The Gottman Method. Both methods are viewed as the models with the highest rate of success.
In your subsequent sessions, your therapist will ask you about your childhoods and history. You’ll also practice effective ways to communicate through role play and modelling. As your therapist develops trust and a sense of safety, you will begin discussing difficult topics and sharing your feelings. You will be able to analyze and acknowledge unhelpful behavior patterns and learn new ways of relating.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Table?
Your relationship will benefit from couples therapy if both couples are willing to work on their relationship. If both partners are ready to trust in the process, there is bound to be progress and even resolution. It’s important that the couple sees themselves as members of the same team, ready to improve their shared lives.
Lynn Valley Counselling offers couples counselling in North Vancouver. If you are looking for a safe space to work on your most important relationships, get in touch today and let’s get started.
