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.
Couples Counseling—Help for Struggling Relationships in San Antonio, TX
Every couple has highs and lows in their relationship. That loving communication, appreciation, and understanding are more easily described than carried-out in real life. When couples find themselves off-track, it does not mean the relationship is over. It often means that the couple just needs a little help. When trust has been lost, partners may be able to rebuild it. When couples are pulling in different direction, they can re-evaluate their priorities. When intimacy has been lost, that spark can be reignited. Couples therapy is not a magic formula to save a relationship, but it often helps. Skilled therapists can often turn challenges into opportunities for partners to grow closer to each other.
That is why Thriveworks San Antonio offers couples therapy. Many partners who want a better relationship do not always know how to improve their connection. Our therapists have helped many couples learn how to improve their relationship. Reach out today for help.
Common Relationship Issues
There is rarely a couple who sits down with a therapist and presents a new difficulty. Most couples struggle with very similar issues. That means, couples are not alone in their struggle. Therapists are often able to help, when both partners are willing. What are some of the challenges that couples regularly face? It would be impossible to list everything, but a few include…
Conflicting Relational Expectations – No two people align perfectly. Partners will disagree about expectations within the relationship. When each partner is respectful of the other’s vantage point, these differences can be reconciled. However, partners often have difficulty doing so. When one partner has certain expectations and the other partner has different expectations, they are each pulling the relationship toward distinct goals, and they will conflict. Couples counselors often work with partners on healthy conflict resolution skills.
Challenges with Communication – Personal responsibility, vulnerability, and empathy are key components of healthy communication. Many partners, however, have never learned these communication skills. Further, many circumstances can make healthy communication more difficult. When one or both partners’ needs are minimized, feelings go unexpressed, or problems begin to multiply, poor communication is often the underlying issue. Couples therapists often work with partners to increase their communication skills.
Lost Intimacy – Every couple loses their spark at some point. Sometimes, that intimacy is their physical and sexual relationship, but intimacy can also be social, spiritual, emotional, and more. Intimacy is simply how a couple comes together in a meaningful way. Couples therapists often work with partners on how to prioritize their intimacy.
Couples Counseling at Thriveworks San Antonio
If you can relate to some of these common issues that couples struggle with, it may be time to reach out for help. Relationships are difficult. There are never easy answers, but there are many tangible ways couples therapy may be able to help. Two of those ways include…
- De-escalating the conflict. When partners are struggling, they can begin to attack each other instead of the problem. When conflict escalates, it becomes more difficult to solve. Couples counselors can often de-escalate conflict and focus partners’ attention upon what matters most.
- Prioritizing which changes will help the couple most. Some changes will make a big impact and should be made immediately. Others are important, but they can wait. Experienced couples counselors can help couples see the difference.
If you want to start couples therapy, know that Thriveworks San Antonio has appointments available. When you contact our office, you may be meeting with your therapist within the same week. Many different insurance plans are accepted. Call today.
