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.
All couples struggle from time to time—even celebrities. The foundations of a healthy relationship cannot be bought, and fame cannot heal broken trust. That is one of the major themes of VH1’s show, Couples Therapy. Six celebrity couples move into a house together and get to work on their relationships. A team of highly skilled, experienced couples counselors put each pair through relational exercises. Some couples improve their relationship through a closer bond. Some couples improve their relationship by transitioning it to a friendship. In many ways, these celebrity couples are no different than anyone else. Every long-term, committed relationship has tension. Partners fight and disagree and are annoyed with each other from time to time. For some couples, these difficult times are opportunities to move on from the relationship. For other couples, these difficult times are opportunities to work through their differences and build a stronger relationship. Whatever the outcome may be, many couples are going to therapy together. Couples counseling has helped many partners establish a better relationship—whatever form the partners choose for it to take.
“Nobody can predict the future. You just have to give your all to the relationship you’re in and do your best to take care of your partner, communicate and give them every last drop of love you have. I think one of the most important things in a relationship is caring for your significant other through good times and bad.”
—Nick Cannon
Even when partners are all in for a relationship, there are no guarantees, but there is guidance. Sometimes, giving your all to a relationship means asking for help. Many times, the issues that leave a couple stuck are common problems that have solutions, but each partner just needs some support finding the solution. That is where couples therapy may help. When partners meet with a counselor, they rarely present a new challenge. Couples therapists have often seen it all, and they have often helped partners find their way to a solution and a way to move forward in the relationship.
Thriveworks Counseling in Winston-Salem, NC offers couples therapy because many couples are struggling. No couple has a perfect relationship, and no couple has to work through their problems alone. Couples counseling can be a great place for partners to address and resolve these problems.
Common Problems that Many Couples Experience
No couple is immune from difficulty, and often, partners fight over similar problems. Certain issues trip up couples. Partners may feel as if they are the only ones who fight about a certain issue, but the truth is that whatever problem they are facing is likely a common relational problem. Some of those common relational problems include challenges like…
- Distrust – Healthy, happy couples build their relationship upon trust. When partners trust each other, they lean upon each other. They have each other’s back. However, little choices and big choices by one or both partners can harm that trust. A few irresponsible decisions can crack at the trusting foundation a couple has built. One big lie or affair can destroy that foundation. Rebuilding trust is possible, but it is a long, hard process. Couples counselors often guide partners as they seek to rebuild trust.
- Conflicting Goals – One partner can have a completely different vision for the relationship than the other partner. In fact, this is normal because no two people perfectly agree about everything. Tension, however, often occurs when these conflicting goals are not stated or respected. One partner can be pulling the relationship in one direction while the other is pulling in another direction. Couples therapy often helps partners verbalize their expectations and find common ground for the relationship.
- Disagreements about Family – Tension with the in-laws may be a cliché and fodder for countless jokes, but this tension drives a wedge between many couples. Partners have many decisions to make about what role their family will play in their lives while they are also in a long-term, committed relationship. The surface of this tension may look like fighting over where to spend holidays, but under the surface is a question of loyalty and bonding. Couples therapy may be the place for each partner to decide where their loyalty lies.
- Communication Difficulties – Communicating well takes time, but it also takes skill. Many partners want to communicate clearly, but they have never learned how to listen without judgment, share with vulnerability, and be open to new perspectives. These are difficult communication skills, but they can be learned. Many partners hone their communication at couples therapy.
- Difficulty with Intimacy – Intimacy is any way that partners connect in a meaningful way. It is most often associated with their sexual relationship, but intimacy includes so much more. It can be physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and more. Calendars fill up. Life is busy and chaotic. However, connection is important. Couples therapy may be a place where partners can express their needs and make a plan to bond.
Schedule Couples Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Winston-Salem, NC
If you are ready to start couples counseling, know that Thriveworks has appointments available. When you call our office, one of our scheduling specialists will answer and help you make an appointment. New clients often meet with their counseling within 24 hours of their call. We accept many different forms of insurance, and we offer weekend and evening appointments. Let’s work together. Call today.
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