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.
Just like most things around us, relationships require work and are bound to face some difficult issues at some point or another. How a couple responds to those issues can determine how well both individuals are able to work together when the pressure packs on.
“The nice thing about teamwork is that you always having someone else on your side”
– Margaret Cartyunseling
The overall goal of couples counseling is to unite the couple in mutual understanding of one another and discuss whether certain changes need to take place, and how to commit to those changes. The most common issues between a couple is infidelity, finances, lack of communication, constant bickering/arguing, lack of intimacy, unrealistic expectations, physical or mental health. Couples therapy can prepare a couple for the challenges life brings and how to conquer them as a team.
The inevitable difficult events that couples can endure but not limited to:
- death in the family
- financial issues
- an affair
- previous traumatic event
- decrease intimacy
- lack of friendship
Other issues may be more focused on:
- poor communication
- resentment
- bitterness
- jealousy
- frustration
- anger
- unforgiveness
- withdrawn
“It’s us verses the problem, not you verses me” – Author unknown
There is an underlining friendship that should be built under every relationship. With couples, it is how people enjoy each other’s company, feel comfortable being their self, and rely on one another for support. The idea is to tackle circumstances that may be hard to deal with as a team (keeping in mind that both desire the same outcome), rather than turning on each other and losing sight of the underlining concern. If both individuals are willing to address the actual issue(s) that are causing distress, a counselor will be able to work with them in guidance in setting realistic expectations, achieving goals and make changes that are needed.
“Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved”
– Matte J.T. Stepanek
Couples counseling often involves a therapeutic assessment when the clinician asks some personal questions about their personal histories as well as the relationship history, what roles they each value and how they view each other. By doing so, the counselor gains a more personal understanding of the couple to be able to obtain aspect of the concerning main issues. When the assessment is over, the counselor will reflect his or her understanding of what may need to change and what kind of goal setting that they could benefit. From there, the couple can either agree or reject what the counselor is suggesting. Then once the therapeutic process begins, the couple basically shares the room with the counselor whom acts as a mediator and a guide to build constructive methods in problem shooting, maintaining goals, communication skills and healthy behavioral expressions. After weeding out some of the negative issues that could be harming the relationship, the counselor will focus on building the couple’s strengths and work as a team to overcome issues and life’s difficult battles together.
Our team of highly skilled couples counselors at Thriveworks Cherry Hill Counseling are excited to work with you, so call us today at 856-208-4396!
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +3 more 
