What is couples therapy?​

Couples therapy is a type of talk therapy that involves working with a therapist who is trained in working with couples. During sessions, the therapist can help couples improve their relationship, especially for those who are encountering difficulties interacting with each other during conflicts. The couple and therapist work collaboratively to change and rebuild the relationship for the better. 

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How can couples therapy benefit you?​

During couples therapy, a therapist can help each partner gain fresh insights into problems or conflicts that affect a relationship. However, it is important that each partner be motivated and be committed to the process for optimal results. A therapist can help each partner understand how each person contributes to the conflict and how to better communicate with each other to resolve conflicts more effectively. Couples therapy can also help partners build respect for each other, as well as work on some of the tough issues that are causing roadblocks in the relationship.     

What can I expect during a therapy session? 

During the session, the therapist works to provide a safe environment, without taking sides, so that each partner can speak openly about issues in the relationship. The therapist may choose interventions that draw upon various approaches, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method and/or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) based on the needs of each couple. The Emotionally Focused approach attempts to work on improving the emotional bond between the couple. The Solution-Focused approach attempts to focus on uniting the couple by looking at their strengths and working towards their ultimate desired outcome. The Gottman approach looks at improving relationships by working on three different domains - conflict resolution, building a better friendship, and creating shared meaning. The majority of treatment plans are 10-14 sessions depending on the goals and needs of each client; however, some couples may start to see improvement in a just a few sessions. Couples therapy can last longer depending on the complexity of the situation.