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 Counseling in Cleveland, OH—Relationship Counselors
Nurturing a partner and cultivating a growing relationship takes work and care and delicacy. Many people need help to learn how to do this well. Many people have found that very help through couples counseling. Skilled therapists can often help each partner make necessary adjustments individually that make the relationship better. Many people have learned how to be better partners and better people by going to couples counseling.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Counseling in Cleveland, OH have worked with many couples who were at an impasse. Everyone needs a place where they can process, feel, think, and decide. For many, that has been couples therapy at Thriveworks. Our counselors have helped many couples find a way forward that feels right for each partner.
Common Relationship Issues and Problematic Behaviors
When partners are having a hard time in their relationship, they often feel isolated, as if no other couples have faced this challenge. In many ways, each problem that a couple has is unique. The details are one-of-a-kind, but when people look below the surface details, when couples are struggling, they are often facing one of four root problems. Dr. John Gottman conducted a famous study in which he identified four toxic behaviors that are almost always present when couples are struggling. Dr. Gottman called these behaviors The Four Horsemen because they can be predictors of whether a relationship will stand the test of time. These toxic behaviors are defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism, and contempt. Here is what they look like in daily life…
- Defensiveness — When needs, concerns, or critiques are met with excuses or blame, defensiveness may be harming the relationship. Instead of accepting responsibility for one’s own actions, defensiveness shift accountability toward outside circumstances or other people.
- Stonewalling — Conflict can bring partners closer together, but it can also drive them apart. Stonewalling occurs when partners withdrawal from each other and from any disagreement or conflict.
- Criticism — All couples have disagreements. All partners fall short somehow within the relationship. Criticism goes after the person. Criticism may say, “You are so irresponsible. What is wrong with you?”
- Contempt — Partners should be equals and respect is the bedrock of healthy interactions. Contempt is disrespectful behavior toward a partner that is disrespectful. Contempt shames a partner.
How Can Couples Therapy Help?
These toxic behaviors can stifle a relationship, but they can be corrected. Couples who are committed to each other and who are willing to change can learn another way. Partners can learn how to build the relationship around a healthy connection, with help from a couples therapist. Here is what that may look like…
- Personal Responsibility — Adults take responsibility for their own feelings, thought, choices, and actions. Healthy connection takes place between two adults who accept responsibility for themselves.
- Self-Care — Being in a relationship does not erase an individual’s unique needs. Each partner can learn how to engage in self-care so that they can be their best, healthy self.
- Thankfulness — Healthy connection is full of gratitude. Happy partners see each other for who they are, weaknesses and strengths.
Scheduling Couples Therapy at Thriveworks Cleveland
Are you and your partner struggling? If so, you are not alone. Many couples face hard times, and many couples see a couples counselor to see them through the difficulty. That is why Thriveworks Cleveland offers couples therapy, and we have appointments available. When you contact our office, know that we accept many forms of insurance. You may have your first appointment within the same week of your call. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Cleveland today.
