Maybe you’ve seen a movie or a TV show where a couple decides to go to therapy together. As a viewer, this simple action might make you assume that that couple’s relationship is on the rocks, ready to break at any moment. And in many fictional depictions, that’s how couples therapy is treated — as a last-ditch attempt for a relationship that is doomed to fail.
Fortunately, we know that movies and television shows aren’t always the most accurate reflections of real life. While scriptwriters may find couples therapy to be a useful ominous dramatic device, in real life, it’s a perfectly natural way to maintain the mental health of you, your partner, and your relationship. In other words, going to couples counseling or marriage and family therapy doesn’t mean the end is near.
What it does mean is that you both care enough about your relationship to take time for each other and work through any difficulties you may be experiencing. By attending counseling, you’ll receive sound, informed, and invaluable insight about your relationship from a trained mental health professional.
In many aspects of our lives, like our physical health, financial dealings, or even our mental health, we understand that seeking the advice and guidance of a professional can be helpful in both high and low-stakes situations — why shouldn’t our relationships be the same?
At Thriveworks in Rochester, MN, we want to help you and your partner build the brightest future together. Reach out today to get started with one of our couples counselors or therapists.
Why People Decide To Start Relationship Counseling
Relationship therapy can be so much more than a last-ditch effort for couples trying to save their relationship. In fact, many couples choose to engage in therapy proactively to give themselves the best chance of solving small problems before they become larger crises.
Some situations that a relationship counselor can help with include:
- Going through a difficult financial time
- Supporting a partner through physical or mental illness
- Grappling with infertility and what it means for your relationship
- Working through a loss of closeness and intimacy
- Rekindling trust and open communication
- Understanding and bringing together different parenting methods
Whether you face a specific problem or you lack a clearly defined issue, therapy cn help make your relationship even stronger. We welcome couples facing issues at any stage in their relationship. At Thriveworks in Rochester, MN, we take the time to fully understand your needs in a judgment-free space so to provide the best possible care.
What You Can Learn From Couples Counseling
Just as there’s no singular issue couples face, there’s no singular approach practiced by relationship therapists and counselors. Some providers practice the Gottman Method, while others might practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These approaches, though different, implement practices for couples to productively and healthily address and work through their issues.
Common practices and strategies in relationship therapy include:
- Identifying your thoughts, feelings, and needs in your relationship
- Actively listening to your partner’s needs and concerns
- Openly communicating your feelings using “I” statements
- Asking for feedback from your partner to facilitate conversation
- Allowing yourself to feel vulnerable
- Holding yourself accountable
These skills, like most things that are good for you, are not mastered in a day. Your counselor or therapist will make sure you and your partner are developing these skills both in and outside of your therapy sessions. You might receive “homework” assignments to help reinforce these practices when you’re not working directly with your counselor. Because learning these skills may take time, our counselors can also help you practice grace and patience, both with yourself and your partner.
Our licensed marriage and couples therapists at Thriveworks in Rochester, MN have the expertise and compassion to help you with your relationship. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment.
Appointments for Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling in Rochester, MN
If you’re interested in learning how to make your relationship healthier, then our counselors and therapists are here to help.
We’re available for you when you need us. That’s why we offer affordable rates on all our appointments — in-person and online — whether your sessions are in the mornings, evenings, or on the weekends. We also accept most major insurance plans.
Outside of your sessions, we offer services like a text support line, an all-day and all-night life coaching Q&A, and a counselor-moderated online forum.
If you want help with your relationship, then we’re here for you. Call or click today to schedule an appointment at Thriveworks in Rochester, MN.