Couples therapy works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular couples therapy sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.
On average, couples attend couples therapy for 12 weeks. However, couples therapy may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling in Bellingham, WA
If you feel at a loss for words or aren’t sure how to resolve your conflict, you don’t have to figure out a path forward on your own. Our licensed relationship counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA, are here to help.
Call us at (360) 526-6856 or give a call today.
Who Is Couples Therapy For?
Couples therapy is for anyone who wants to try it, including:
- Older couples
- Younger couples
- Married couples
- Unmarried couples
- Straight couples
- Gay couples
Couples therapy is a short-term form of treatment for any couple that wants to address specific problems, gain insight into their relationship, or mend old wounds. Common reasons for seeking relationship counseling include:
- Loss of closeness or intimacy
- Premarital counseling
- Inability to resolve conflict
- Financial stressors or disagreements
- Trust issues
- Poor communication
- Infidelity
- Relationship check-ups
- Substance abuse
No matter the couple or the challenge, we provide exceptional care and support to help you achieve your goals. Our couples therapists at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA, are ready to help when you’re ready to get started.
Types of Therapy Used in Couples Counseling
Just as a doctor uses different forms of treatment depending on the ailment, a couples therapist will use different types of therapy depending on your reasons for attending counseling. Some of the methods used include:
- The Gottman Method: Focuses on improving intimacy through positive communication, exploring areas of disagreement, discovering shared values, and developing tools to manage conflict. Clients learn to avoid the “four horsemen” of relationship apocalypse: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Emphasizes sharing emotional security with a partner. Clients explore how their problems relate to unmet emotional needs.
- Narrative Therapy: Based on the idea that the stories we tell ourselves about our relationships shape how we feel and behave. You’ll work on discovering your existing narrative and identifying negative stories that might be causing resentment. You and your partner will develop healthier narratives to foster understanding and connection.
- Imago Relationship Therapy: Suggests that relationship problems are often the result of unaddressed needs or wounds from early life. You’ll discuss these experiences and practice the three-step process of mirroring, validating concerns, and expressing empathy with your partner.
Your couples therapist may use one or more of these approaches during your therapy sessions. The specifics of your sessions will depend on your needs, your provider’s specialty, and how you and your partner respond to treatment.
Start Marriage Counseling or Couples Therapy at Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA Today
Reach out to our scheduling specialists to book an appointment with Thriveworks in Bellingham, WA today. You may have your first session within 7 days of calling. You can thrive — we can help.
Give us a call at [telephone[ or schedule online to get started today.
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