By Goodings Grove Psychology Associates | December 18, 2023
If you’re experiencing challenges in your relationship, seeking couples therapy can be a beneficial choice. A skilled couples therapist can help improve your overall relationship satisfaction. Thinking about what couples counseling involves may cause worry for you or your partner. Opening up to a counselor can feel intimidating. While not all couples in therapy stay together, there are actions you can take to prepare for couples therapy, ensuring that both you and your partner get the most out of the experience.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples counseling, also termed marriage counseling or relationship therapy, is a therapeutic approach concentrating on the couple as a unit, not addressing individual concerns. Rather than focusing on personal issues, it deals with challenges the couple collectively encounters. In instances where individual problems arise during couples therapy, the therapist might suggest individual counseling or integrate personal therapy into the overall treatment plan for the couple.
What is the purpose of Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy helps partners better understand each other and improve their problem-solving skills. In the initial sessions, the therapist may interview both individuals together or separately to gather information about their specific issues. The therapist will also assess safety concerns, such as domestic violence or thoughts of harm. Following legal and ethical standards, the therapist will decide whether individually disclosed information should be included in the treatment plan or kept confidential. If you are looking for couples therapy in Homer Glen, consider reaching out to Dr. Elizabeth Joy Fazio, a professional couples therapist who guides couples in a secure and supportive environment to enhance their relationship effectively.
Some common issues for which couples go to therapy
Couples therapy addresses various common issues that can strain relationships:
Infidelity
- Infidelity involves physical or emotional connections with someone outside the relationship.
- Emotional affairs can lead to a romanticized version of love, impacting the connection between partners. Recovery is possible with the right help and mutual commitment.
Divorce/Separation
Discussing issues with a couple’s therapist before final decisions on divorce or separation is advisable. Therapy may save a relationship if both partners are willing to invest effort.
Communication
- Many couples struggle with effective communication, often due to upbringing or learned habits.
- Communication skills can be developed through counseling, enhancing understanding between partners.
Frequent Conflict:
- Conflict management issues, such as unhealthy fighting styles, can strain relationships.
- Counseling teaches new skills to “fight fair” and reduces conflicts.
Falling Out of Love/Growing Apart
- Couples may worry about the relationship when feelings of being “in love” fluctuate.
- Therapy helps mend hurts, rebuild interest, and navigate different seasons of love.
Major Life Adjustments
- Changes like job transitions, moves, or family developments can stress relationships.
- Counseling assists in managing stress arising from major life adjustments.
Financial Difficulties
- Financial stress is a common source of disagreement; counseling or financial advice can help.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse requires individual professional help alongside couples counseling.
Sexual Dissatisfaction
- Open communication about sexual health in counseling can improve satisfaction.
- Addressing past trauma or dysfunction requires patience and understanding.
Childrearing/Parenting Conflicts
Parenting disagreements can strain relationships; counseling aids in understanding and problem-solving. Couples counseling provides a supportive environment to navigate these challenges and strengthen relationships.
Various approaches exist in couples therapy to address different needs:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): It is focused on understanding and improving emotional connections between partners. It aims to create secure and lasting bonds by exploring and reshaping emotional responses.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy: This therapy is based on extensive research to strengthen relationships and prevent divorce. It focuses on enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering intimacy.
- Collaborative Couples Therapy (CCT): A collaborative approach that encourages open dialogue and shared decision-making. It aims to create a cooperative environment where both partners actively contribute to solutions.
- Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT): It focuses on childhood experiences influencing adult relationships. It seeks to heal past wounds, enhance communication, and promote understanding between partners.
- Narrative Therapy: This therapy explores the stories and narratives couples create about their relationship. It aims to reshape negative narratives, empowering couples to construct more positive stories.
Choosing Dr. Elizabeth Joy Fazio for couples therapy in Homer Glen can be a beneficial decision if both partners are dedicated to making the necessary effort.
By acknowledging and understanding common obstacles and proactively preparing yourselves, you create an opportunity to maximize the benefits of your relationship and the progress made during therapy. This collaborative approach fosters growth and strengthens the foundation of your partnership. Embracing the process and facing challenges head-on can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient relationship.
