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.
Our differences can lead to tense arguments and feelings of disrespect in our most treasured relationships. Having a romantic partner can be a source of happiness, but it isn’t without its ups and downs. Fortunately, real-life couples counseling is often effective. One of our licensed marriage and family therapists can help you work through difficult times and repair strained relationships through time-tested practices.
If you need help navigating issues with a partner, working with a mental health professional can help. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in New Orleans, LA, to schedule your first appointment.
Common Reasons to Seek Relationship Counseling
No relationship is without disagreement. Part of the joy of being with someone comes from seeing their worldview and using this to change your outlook on life. However, even the strongest couples can sometimes use outside help to maintain healthy boundaries and nurture their relationships.
Some reasons that partners decide to start relationship counseling include:
- Trust issues
- Different parenting styles
- Financial challenges
- Feeling neglected or unloved
- Intimacy issues
- Infidelity
- Opposing political views
- Poor communication
- Unaccepting or intrusive in-laws
- Division of labor (such as household chores and childcare)
- Emotional vulnerability issues
Many couples find that speaking with a professional about ongoing issues improves their relationships by elevating their level of trust, strengthening communication skills, and allowing for vulnerability during challenging moments.
How Does Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling Work?
When you reach out to Thriveworks Counseling, you will be paired with a trained professional and attend sessions as a pair to express your needs and goals in your relationship. In addition, your provider can suggest several approaches that constructively resolve conflict. These might include:
- Emotionally focused therapy: EFT aims to identify and alter destructive patterns in a relationship that prevent the formation of strong emotional bonds.
- The Gottman Method: Widely used by relationship therapists, the Gottman Method addresses the four major sources of relationship issues: defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism, and contempt.
- Reflective listening: This technique uses “I” statements, in which a person intentionally frames each of their concerns with “I feel X when you do Y” instead of “You are wrong for doing Y.” It prevents defensiveness and makes it easier for couples to listen to one another.
- Imago Relationship Therapy: Formed in 1980 by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, IRT stresses the connection between adult relationships and childhood experiences. It seeks to improve empathy and understanding by bringing each person’s mental health into the conversation.
These therapeutic practices can help transform your relationship. To get started, contact us online or call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in New Orleans, LA.
Scheduling Couples Therapy at Thriveworks in New Orleans, LA
Our licensed therapists and counselors are ready to help you and your partner today. New clients can often see a provider within the week of reaching out, and our simple online booking system takes the hassle out of planning your sessions. In addition, we pride ourselves on accepting many different forms of health insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions. Plus, our flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy mean you don’t have to worry when conflicts arise — get in touch within a few days before your session to find a time that works better for you.
If you’d like to improve something in your relationship, consider working with a counselor or therapist from Thriveworks Counseling in New Orleans, LA. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to get started.
