Counseling for Marriage,
Couples Therapy & Couples Counseling

Counseling for Marriage and Couples Therapy

The decision to seek counseling for marriage, couples therapy or couples counseling

Making the choice to go to counseling for marriage, couples therapy or couples counseling can feel like a very big step. It involves admitting that things are not perfect in your partnership, which is often tough to do and scary to admit. And if you are not particularly familiar with what couples therapy or marriage counseling is all about, it can feel mysterious and confusing, not to mention it can involve considerable effort.

You must find an appropriate provider, figure out insurance and other financial aspects of the commitment, and come up with a time to fit into everyone’s schedule. Often, the idea of seeing a marriage or couples therapist sits on the back burner, with one or both parties thinking that it may be a good idea, but also feeling unsure of how to proceed — and of whether their specific problems can really be helped.

What is Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy?

Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist with clinical experience works with couples. They are most often a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist [LMFT]. The LMFT helps two people involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. Although the practice of Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy may vary depending on the therapist’s theoretical orientation, all couples therapy tends to involve the following general elements:

• A focus on a specific problem (i.e. sexual difficulties, Internet addiction, jealousy)
• Active participation on the part of the therapist in treating the relationship itself, rather than each individual separately.
• Solution-focused, change-oriented interventions early on in treatment.
• A clear establishment of treatment objectives.

Getting Started with Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy

Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy will usually begin with some standard interview questions regarding the history of the relationship as well as some exploration into each partner’s family-of-origin, values and cultural background. The therapist might use the initial sessions for crisis intervention if necessary.

The couples therapist will then assist the couple in identifying the issue that will be the focus of treatment, establishing treatment goals and planning a structure for treatment.

During the treatment phase, the therapist will help the couple gain insight into the relational dynamics maintaining the problem, while helping both partners understand each of their roles in the dysfunctional interactions. This will help them change the way they perceive the relationship and each other.

Although gaining insight is important, another crucial aspect of couples therapy involves actually changing behaviors and ways of interacting with each other. Couples therapists will often assign partners homework to apply the skills they have learned in therapy to their day-to-day interactions.

Most couples can come away from Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy having gained insight into relational patterns, increased emotional expression and developed the skills necessary to communicate and problem-solve with their partners more effectively.

How will I open up to a stranger?

This commitment to their own professional and personal growth often helps clients feel safer exploring, even the most vulnerable of issues.

The bottom line is that you should get the right help before the damage to your relationship is beyond repair. Find the right help that fits for you, make the right investment to get the best return.

If you are interested in learning more about the Counseling for Marriage or Couples Therapy services we offer, or want a free 20-minute consultation, please contact us or schedule an appointment today.