Couples Counseling

What happens in couples counseling?

In counseling, couples learn how to understand each other in new perspectives that promote healthy and strong relationships. The reason for counseling will determine how the counselor works with the couple. For example, premarital counseling might involve talking future expectations and goals to figure out differences before getting married. Another couple may need ways to express their emotions differently and learn to react in a better way to their partner. While divorce counseling may consist of making a plan for the children, talking about what led to this decision, and how to support one another moving forward.

There are many different skills taught to a couple during counseling:

Communication Skills (how to bridge the gap between what you want to say and what your partner hears)
Problem-Solving Skills
Patience and forgiveness
Trust and honesty
Learning how to become more selfless
Stress management
Anger management
Understanding your partner’s love language
Tools to improve closeness and affection
Tools to improve emotional and physical intimacy
Uncovering and resolving past trauma that is affecting the relationship
Discovering the underlying issues

Homework is often given to couples to help them bring the information learned in session back into their home environment. The goal of homework is to enable the couple to work out issues on their own as they arise in the home instead of always needing counseling. Therapy is brief, the goal is to learn the skills and be able to handle situations on your own. It is important to take the homework seriously and try new strategies at home- this is how therapy works.

Why Do Couples Delay in Receiving Counseling?

Misconceptions about what couples therapy is and its purpose
It is meant only for very serious issues affecting a relationship, including infidelity or addiction
View it as a last-ditch effort before making the decision to end the relationship
Or some think of it as a way to force their partner to change because they are “the problem”

Research indicates that the average couple is unhappy for six years before seeking help. Therapy can still be highly effective at resolving such long-standing problems. Many people are not aware of the benefits that couples therapy offers which can treat a wide variety of issues. Counseling can be a meaningful way to restore the foundation of the marriage and clarify whether divorce is the appropriate decision.

Therapists that specialize in Couples Counseling:

Taylor Kracht, LCMHC