Mar 28, 2023 · 4 min read

A guide to couples therapy: When to go & what to expect

A guide to couples therapy: When to go & what to expect

Couples therapy can be a great way for couples to work through their issues and create a healthier, stronger relationship. If you have been feeling disconnected from your partner lately, or if you are having the same arguments over and over again, it might be time to consider couples therapy.

In this article we will discuss when couples should seek out help from a therapist, what to expect from a session, and how to prepare for it.

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is designed to provide couples with the skills and tools they need to help strengthen their relationship. It is a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist works with both partners to explore issues that may be causing friction or difficulty in the relationship. The therapist will often focus on communication, problem-solving strategies, and conflict resolution.

Couples therapy can also help couples learn how to better understand each other and increase intimacy and trust, as well as build a stronger foundation for their relationship.

When should couples seek therapy?

Whenever there is an ongoing issue in the relationship that cannot be resolved on your own, it’s time to seek out therapy. This could include anything from communication issues and arguments, to feeling disconnected or unfulfilled in the relationship. If you are having trouble trusting each other, or if you feel like your partner is not meeting your needs, couples therapy can help.

If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it could be a good idea to seek out couples therapy:

• You or your partner feel like the other person is not meeting their needs.
• You have difficulty communicating with each other.
• You find yourself arguing frequently and not finding a resolution.
• One or both of you feel disconnected from the relationship.

What to expect from a session

During a session, the therapist will ask both of you to talk about the issues hat are causing tension in the relationship. They will also ask questions to gain insight into your individual perspectives and how each of you views the problem. The therapist may then suggest ways for both of you to work together to create a better relationship.

Some questions that you may be asked to consider include: What are some of the most important aspects of your relationship?

• What goals do you both have for the future of your relationship?
• How do you feel about each other’s expectations and needs?
• What kind of communication strategies would work best for both of you?
• What can each of you do to make the other person feel more valued and appreciated?
• Do either of you feel like the other person is trying to control the relationship?

How to prepare for couples therapy

Before attending couples therapy, it is important to do some preparation. This can include:

• Think about what you want to achieve

Take some time to think about what you want to achieve through couples therapy. This will help the therapist understand your goals and how to best help you reach them.

• Write down your thoughts

If there are certain issues or topics that you want to discuss, it can be helpful to write down your thoughts beforehand. This can help the therapist better understand where each of you is coming from.

• Choose a therapist that is right for your needs

When selecting a therapist it’s important to find one that you feel comfortable with and who you think is best suited to help you reach your goals. This means researching different therapists and reading through their background and experience.

• Be prepared to Be honest

In couples therapy, it is important to be open and honest. This means being prepared to talk openly about the issues in your relationship and to really listen to each other. It’s also important to be willing to take responsibility for your part in the problem and to make changes as needed.

Making the most of couples therapy

When attending couples therapy it is important to be willing to make changes and put in the work. It can also be beneficial to come up with actionable steps that can help you both improve your relationship. This could include setting boundaries, taking time for yourself, being more understanding, or even learning how to compromise better.

It is also important to remember that couples therapy is a process and it may take some time before you start to see results. It is important to stay patient and be open to feedback from the therapist as well as your partner.

Final thoughts

By taking the time to seek out couples therapy, you can learn how to better communicate with each other, understand each other’s perspectives, and create a stronger relationship. Though it can seem scary, couples therapy can help you both become better individuals and partners, so why not find a therapist in London today?