Sam and Cierra have been in a long-distance relationship for a little over two years. Sam is a teacher in California, while Cierra is a general contractor in New Jersey.
Once every three months, the couple meets over a long weekend. During the winter holiday season, Sam goes to stay with Cierra for two weeks before flying back home to California.
At first, the couple loved the freedom of having their own lives and schedules. They planned virtual movie, dinner, and gaming dates that kept them connected until their in-person meetups.
But recently, Sam has become disheartened. Things aren’t going well at work, and she could really use some emotional support. Cierra tries to be there for Sam, but the distance and time zone differences sometimes make meaningful connections difficult.
During their latest video chat, Sam is clearly frustrated. Cierra wants the relationship to work and suggests that the two of them seek couples therapy. They book an online session and meet with their therapist two days later.
Over the next few months, the couple works to develop coping strategies to deal with the physical distance in their relationship. Their therapist also suggests anxiety treatment for Sam and mindfulness techniques for Cierra. In time, the couple feels reenergized and ready to recommit to their relationship.
Therapy sessions for couples aren’t just for major complications such as divorce and infidelity. A trained professional can help prevent problems before they start by identifying possible pain points and offering specific solutions.
All relationships go through rocky periods. If you and your partner would like to see what a therapist can offer, please contact us at Thriveworks in Elmhurst, IL to schedule an appointment.
Common Reasons To See a Couples Therapist
Your relationship with your loved one is intimate and unique. While every relationship is different, all relationships deserve continued nurturing in order to grow and develop.
When people seek therapy sessions with a counselor or therapist, they’re often looking to resolve conflict or create a safe space for dialogue. But these are not the only reasons a couple may seek professional help from a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Common reasons for reaching out include the following:
- Financial stresses
- Child planning or child-rearing concerns
- Intimacy problems
- Trust issues
- Blending families
- Infidelity
- Separation and divorce
- Premarital counseling
- Differing values or beliefs
Whether you are experiencing one of the above problems or a different issue entirely, our couples counselors at Thriveworks in Elmhurst, IL can provide support and guidance each step of the way.
How Does Marriage or Couples Therapy Work?
There are no set rules or parameters for marriage counseling or couples therapy. Your provider may use cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or another type of therapy to explore the inner workings of your relationship and address your concerns.
No matter which techniques are selected, you can expect your provider to:
- Assess your specific problems and help you uncover any unknown or undisclosed concerns.
- Listen to both your challenges and grievances and encourage active listening between the two of you.
- Create an action plan that addresses both of your concerns and that challenges you to work on those concerns through open dialogue and trust-building exercises.
- Provide long-term strategies to deal with future stressors and problems that arise as part of your relationship.
If you or your partner have ever thought of building trust, increasing intimacy, or addressing conflicts in your relationship, consider reaching out to our licensed marriage and family therapists at Thriveworks in Elmhurst, IL.
Book an Appointment With a Couples Counselor at Thriveworks in Elmhurst, IL
Your mental and emotional health is our priority. At Thriveworks, our psychiatrists, psychologists, therapist, counselors, and other mental health professionals are well-equipped to help you tackle any psychological problems or environmental stressors that may be affecting your relationship.
We know your time is valuable. To honor that, we offer weekday and weekend sessions in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We can even sometimes accommodate same-day and next-day appointments and we offer a flexible, 23.5-hour cancellation policy.
Clients also get access to an online life coach Q&A service, a moderated discussion board, and our educational video library. Our counselors and therapists are also available in between sessions by phone or email in case questions arise throughout the week.
To see what relationship counseling can do for you, please give us a call at Thriveworks in Elmhurst, IL or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.
