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 in Indianapolis, IN—Relationship Support
What makes couples healthy or unhealthy is how they deal with these challenges. More and more, couples are going to therapy to learn how to respond to conflict in a way that helps them grow closer together. Couples therapy is not just for celebrities.
Trust is the foundation of a healthy connection, but it is easily broken. It can be restored, but rebuilding trust is a difficult task. Many couples want to work on their relationship—they want to rebuild trust, but they do not know how. That is where a couples therapist may be able to help. When couples find themselves off course, therapists can often be guides toward a healthier relationship.
Just as it is normal for couples to experience tension, it is also normal for them to need help. That is why Thriveworks Counseling in Indianapolis offers couples therapy. Our professionals have experience working with couples for many different reasons and have helped them find a way forward. They can help you too.
Common Ways Relationships Can Be Strained
Anyone who has experienced a strained relationship knows that in addition to the particular issue the couple is facing, each partner may also feel isolated. It is easy to feel as if we are alone in the stress, as if no other couples have these particular difficulties. While this is certainly an understandable feeling, the truth is that most couples are strained by the same or similar issues.
These common problems mean that no couple is alone in their struggle, and they also mean that whatever your relationship may be going through, a couples therapist may be able to help. These issues are not only common, but they have practical solutions…
- Different Expectations – No two people share the exact same values and priorities. These differences can be understood and resolved, but when partners are not clear and upfront about their expectations, each can pull the other in opposite directions. This dynamic can be frustrating, but couples can learn to pull toward the same target.
- Disagreements about Family – Think about all the mileage that movies and TV shows have gotten out of conflict with the in-laws. It is a cliché idea, but it is true—dealing with extended family can drive a wedge between partners. Family issues may also extend to child-rearing, living situations, and more.
- Communication Difficulties – Openness, empathy, and vulnerability are skills that support communication, but they are also hard skills to master. Many couples struggle to communicate, and often, couples therapy focuses on building communication skills. Many couples find that their efforts to communicate well are worth it.
- Difficulty with Intimacy – Intimacy is just another word for connection, and it can take many forms. Intimacy can be physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and more. Intimacy requires both partners to dedicate, time, care, and intentionality to the relationship, and it can be one of the first areas of the relationship that gets neglected when life is busy. Many couples have difficulty prioritizing intimacy.
- Distrust – Part of being a couple means leaning upon each other—trusting each other. All too easily, big and small actions erode trust. Forgetting an anniversary or making an irresponsible choice can chip away at a relationship’s trust. Lying or cheating can annihilate it. For trust to return to the relationship, each partner need to be open to change.
Couples Counseling at Thriveworks in Indianapolis, IN
What challenge is your relationship facing right now? Are you and your partner struggling with a lack of trust? Differing expectations? A disagreement about your extended families? Whatever the issue may be, the couples therapists at Thriveworks Indianapolis are ready to help.
Our staff has worked with many partners and helped them…
- Set reasonable expectations for change. Certain adjustments in a relationship need to be made now. Others can wait. Therapists can help couples prioritize which adjustments may make the most impact for their relational health.
- De-escalate the tension. During conflict, tension can rise quickly. Partners may attack each other instead of the problem. When this happens, it is often helpful to have therapists de-escalate the tension so that couples can focus upon solutions.
If you and/or your partner are ready to meet with a couples counselor, know that the staff at Thriveworks Indianapolis is ready to meet with you. When you call our office, know that a scheduling specialist will answer and help you make an appointment.
New clients often have their first session within 24 hours. We accept a variety of insurance plans. Weekend and evening appointments are also offered.
Let’s work together on your relationship. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Indianapolis today.
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