Is Couples Therapy Right for You? Knowing the Basics

Have you checked out 'Mind the Malhotras' or maybe you’re a fan of the American sitcom, 'Couples Therapy'?  Whether it’s from a show or your own relationship ups and downs, couples therapy is definitely a topic worth exploring! Let’s dive into what couples counselling really is!

Love is a beautiful journey, but it takes effort to keep the spark alive! Every relationship has its ups and downs! From little misunderstandings to big debates, it’s all about finding that perfect balance and making compromises along the way. Feeling stuck in a cycle or just need a little relationship check-up? Sometimes, having an unbiased third party can help you both take that next step together!

 Couples therapy is all about navigating those relationship hurdles together and discovering healthier ways to connect and communicate! Couples therapy is perfect for every kind of relationship, whether you're married or just starting out! Couples therapy is all about leveling up your relationship! It's a journey to strengthen your bond and, sometimes, figure out if you're meant to be together.

 With this let us see some Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to Couples Therapy:

1)    Who can benefit from couples therapy?

 Couples therapy isn’t just for those on the brink of breaking up! It’s a space for growth, understanding, and connection, no matter where you are in your relationship journey. Couples work is for everyone! Whether you're young, old, or somewhere in between, it's all about growing together. Perfect for every stage of love and happiness in your relationship! Couples therapy is a great resource for all kinds of relationships, whether you're in a heterosexual or same-sex partnership!

 Some couples might find themselves in need of a little extra love to keep their relationship thriving. Feeling like it's time to shake things up a bit and breathe new life into what’s been a bit too routine lately!  Some couples seek guidance on navigating important topics, like whether to start a family or reconnecting as a couple after welcoming new little ones into their lives. Some people show up after navigating the ups and downs of their relationship journey. No matter where the tension comes from in a relationship, a couples therapist is here to help you explore and work through it together.

2)    What types of things does a couples therapist work on with a couple?

Just like in individual therapy, a couples therapist can dive into so many different aspects of your relationship! This could be a mix of things:

·       Elevating communication skills; helping everyone express their wants, needs, and feelings in a more effective and safe way.

·       Developing insight and understanding; assisting the couple in knowing what is going on for each other when emotions arise. This could include why some topics elicit the reaction they do in the other person, as well as how to respond in particular situations.

·       Figuring out how to break bad or repetitive cycles; couples, like everyone, get into routines. Just like people, these patterns can turn unproductive as time goes on. For example, unspoken norms such as 'we don't discuss X' or expectations such as 'it's his/her job to perform Y'. Relationship counseling is all about re-negotiating those cycles and expectations for that mutual satisfaction we all crave!

·       Building that deep connection and trust; every relationship takes effort to keep the spark alive, both emotionally and physically.  Couples therapy is all about building that trust and emotional connection!  Whether you're looking to strengthen your bond or heal from past hurts, it's a journey worth taking together.

3)    Are we just going to couples therapy together, or do we need to do some individual sessions too?

Ultimately, it all comes down to you and your partner! Some people realize that their unique history and experiences play a big role in the dynamic with their partner, and they’re ready to put in the work! Low self-esteem can seriously affect your relationship!  Working on yourself can create a beautiful ripple effect in your bond with your partner. Sometimes one person does independent work while their spouse simply attends couple's sessions. Other times, both may do individual tasks, or neither. Couples can totally explore individual sessions too, either with the same therapist or a different one!  It is a case-by-case situation that should be discussed with your couples psychologist in order to develop a plan that is individually customized to your and your partner's needs.

4)    Will they simply accept my partner's side in this conflict?

 It’s natural to worry about feeling outnumbered and wondering if your therapist will take your partner's side. After all, letting someone into your particular dynamic can feel weird and even dangerous at first. Just a reminder: a couples therapist is all about that neutrality! They’re not on anyone’s side, just here to help you both find your way. Instead, they serve as the relationship's therapist. They focus on creating harmony, emotional intimacy, nurturing and strengthening the bond between you, ensuring that no one is left out. This may include admitting that one of you has a point, but never in a hostile manner. This is all about bringing people together and fostering a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives!

5)    Would they be able to save our relationship?

Not really! If both sides are genuinely committed to enhancing their bond and building trust, then that's the goal we all strive for! Sometimes, by the time a couple seeks help, the bond may be too frayed to mend. Sometimes, a couples therapist can really help partners understand where they stand in their relationship and if they're ready to make some changes. This journey might even lead them to the decision to part ways. When it comes to separation, they’re here to provide guidance and support for everyone involved.

Do's and Don’ts in Couples Therapy