If you’ve been married or have been in a long-term relationship for any amount of time, then chances are you’ve thought about going to couples therapy. But how do you approach the subject with your partner? It can be a tricky topic to bring up as it involves exposing intimate details about yourself and your relationship. However, couples therapy is a powerful tool that can help both partners gain insight into themselves and the dynamics of their relationship. Here’s what you need to know about couples therapy to decide if it’s right for you.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy—also known as marriage counseling or marital therapy—is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping two people in a romantic relationship resolve conflicts and improve communication. It has been around since the 1940s and is based on psychodynamic principles, which focus on exploring unconscious emotions and motivations that contribute to current behaviors in relationships. The goal of couples therapy is to provide each partner with an opportunity to express their feelings, gain understanding, and work together towards solutions in order to strengthen their bond.
Does Couples Therapy Work?
The short answer is yes! In fact, research suggests that those who attend therapy have better outcomes than those who don’t attend it. Studies have shown that people who participate in couples counseling report feeling more happy and secure in their relationships than those who don’t seek professional help. The success rate of couples counseling varies depending on the severity of the issues being addressed, but there are many success stories out there that attest to its effectiveness.
What Typically Happens in a Couples Therapy Session?
Each session typically lasts between 60-90 minutes and involves both partners discussing issues at hand within a safe space facilitated by a licensed therapist or counselor. The therapist will ask questions designed to help each partner understand the other person’s point of view as well as their own feelings and needs in order for them both to develop empathy towards one another’s perspective. Through discussion and exploration, the couple will come up with strategies for addressing their issues so they can work together towards resolving them. The therapist may also assign “homework” such as practicing communication skills or reading books/articles related to the topics discussed during sessions so that progress can continue even after leaving the office.
It can be difficult for some people to take the plunge into couples therapy due to fear of judgment or discomfort with sharing personal information with strangers; however, it can be incredibly beneficial if approached correctly by both parties involved. With open mindsets, effective communication skills, and willingness from both sides, couples therapy can provide tools necessary for strengthening bonds within any relationship whether newlyweds or long-term partners alike! If you think couples counseling could benefit your relationship, start an honest conversation with your loved one today! You never know what kind of positive changes could result from taking this big step together!
