Category

Couples Therapy

The Importance of Couples Therapy For Long Lasting Relationships

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

What is Couples Therapy?

Couples will eventually face a couple’s therapy session once they do realize that their relationship isn’t working out as they want it to be. The problem may at times build up the longer it doesn’t get resolved, and in the end, it will lead to the couple breaking up. Even healthy couples at times get into problems that seem like they can’t resolve on their own. In this case, couples may turn to couple therapies which will have a counselor to help them resolve the issue.

What Is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling happens with a professional counselor or therapist with the sole purpose of providing couples with advice. The counselor may resolve their problems or issues that may be causing distress in their relationship. Most people think that couples counseling can benefit people that are in romantic relationships, but on the contrary, it also helps family relationships, work relationships, and even friendships.

A relationship therapist can help couples with decision making such as where they should live, when they should get married, or if they should have a baby or not. Couples come to relationship counseling in order to understand each other better and build their relationship further that will have long-term effects.

The primary reason why couples go to couples counseling is to improve their communication with each other. Being able to communicate well can enhance your understanding of what are your partner’s wants and needs. It also helps restore intimacy and bring back love in the relationship. Another reason why couples seek the aid of a couple’s counselors is to ask for help in knowing how the couple is committed in the relationship.

Principles Of Effective Couples Therapy

A working couple’s therapy session will be able to change your point of view in your relationship. Through the series of sessions, the therapist should be able to show the couple an objective point of view. This means that the couple will be able to see that they don’t have to keep blaming each other, but instead, understand how they got to that point in the first place.

An effective therapist will be able to help the couple change the way they behave with their partner. Basically, therapists should create an environment with the couple where none of the two can get hurt physically and psychologically.

Couples tend to avoid showing their true feelings to their partner. This will eventually build up and keep pushing them further apart. A good therapist will be able to decrease that emotional avoidance and allow the couple to express their feelings without fear. Having a relationship therapist will definitely help couples increase their relationship bonds and reduce any negativity that ordinary couples may face.

What Is Couples Counseling and How To Find Professional Counselors

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

Couples counseling is a very effective way to strengthen your relationship bonds with your partner. The main issue that most couples have is that they are losing connection with their partner. Different problems and conflicts can build up to this issue, which may cause the couple to separate if not fixed.  Most couples often seek help after a few years of conflict in their relationship. Unfortunately, this only leads to a lower success rate once they seek counseling.

How Can Counselors Help Improve Your Relationship?

Couples seek professional counselors because they have a lot of experience and can give you a lot of advice in your current relationship issue. They can also give you problem-solving solutions that can help in maintaining a positive relationship.

The average length of counseling can take up to 12 sessions. However, this is different for every couple. A major contributor to the length of your counseling session is the length of your conflict with your partner. As mentioned earlier, couples that seek counseling after years of conflict can be harder to mend than couples dealing with it for only a few months. The type of conflict can also be a factor as no two conflicts can be treated the same way.

Couples can always tell that the counseling sessions are effective if one is learning something about the other partner. The way you interact with your partner may feel easier than it used to be. It can also be that you are feeling closer even if you are distant from each other. There may be fewer arguments in your relationship that don’t lead to a long-lasting conflict.

Finding The Right Counselor

Finding the right counselor can be a daunting task, but it’s worth all the effort. Most couples will try to seek information from hospitals or friends that have gone through counseling, while others will do research, and find different counselors in McKinney Texas based on referrals.

If you are planning to do your own research, then the best way is to look through the counselor’s social media accounts and find their reviews. Reviewers will often take their time to write a positive review about a counselor if their relationship issue was solved. The higher the rating of the counselor, the better it is for you to seek their help.

If the information you’ve gathered is still insufficient for you, then ask friends or family for referrals. They will be able to tell you what their experience was like and you can try to relate that to your current situation. It’s always important to invest all the time you can in order to effectively treat your relationship issues. This ensures that you are committed to maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner.

What Is Couples Counseling And How To Find Professional Counselors

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

Couples counseling is a very effective way to strengthen your relationship bonds with your partner. The main issue that most couples have is that they are losing connection with their partner. Different problems and conflicts can build up to this issue, which may cause the couple to separate if not fixed.  Most couples often seek help after a few years of conflict in their relationship. Unfortunately, this only leads to a lower success rate once they seek counseling.

How Can Counselors Help Improve Your Relationship?

Couples seek professional counselors because they have a lot of experience and can give you a lot of advice in your current relationship issue. They can also give you problem-solving solutions that can help in maintaining a positive relationship.

The average length of counseling can take up to 12 sessions. However, this is different for every couple. A major contributor to the length of your counseling session is the length of your conflict with your partner. As mentioned earlier, couples that seek counseling after years of conflict can be harder to mend than couples dealing with it for only a few months. The type of conflict can also be a factor as no two conflicts can be treated the same way.

Couples can always tell that the counseling sessions are effective if one is learning something about the other partner. The way you interact with your partner may feel easier than it used to be. It can also be that you are feeling closer even if you are distant from each other. There may be fewer arguments in your relationship that don’t lead to a long lasting conflict.

Finding The Right Counselor

Finding the right counselor can be a daunting task, but it’s worth all the effort. Most couples will try to seek information from hospitals or friends that have gone through counseling, while others will do research, and find different counselors in McKinney Texas based on referrals.

If you are planning to do your own research, then the best way is to look through the counselor’s social media accounts and find their reviews. Reviewers will often take their time to write a positive review about a counselor if their relationship issue was solved. The higher the rating of the counselor, the better it is for you to seek their help.

If the information you’ve gathered is still insufficient for you, then ask friends or family for referrals. They will be able to tell you what their experience was like and you can try to relate that to your current situation. It’s always important to invest all the time you can in order to effectively treat your relationship issues. This ensures that you are committed to maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner.

Useful Tips For Couples

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

Many people starting romantic relationships think that it will be easy. However, most couples without a proper plan or guide in maintaining a healthy relationship often break up at some point. This is also because they haven’t fully understood each other yet, and have rushed themselves into a romantic relationship. If you are thinking of going to the next level with the person you are currently in love with, then here are some tips you can use to maintain a healthy relationship.

4 Tips Couples Should Do in Their Relationship

1. Think about what your partner really likes

Make sure you think about what life will likely be with your future partner. How do you think your relationship will go after a year? The best way for you to figure this out is to learn more about your partner. Identify the significant differences of your partner when it comes to money, family, household chores, basically their daily lifestyle. Discuss these with your partner and collaborate together. Recognize what your partner responds well to (such as compliments or acts of service) and try to increase these behaviors.

2. Things to do to help your maintain your relationship

Find out things about your partner that pleases you and always compliment your partner. Learn to surprise your partner from time to time. This allows your partner to know how thoughtful you are and let him or her feel your affection. However, if your partner didn’t appreciate your effort, then you should at least try to show some disappointment. Don’t always accept or ignore your own negative feelings.

3. Identify situations first before acting with your emotions

We can’t always have a perfect partner.  There will always be some flaws that may trigger your anger. However, if you do encounter such a scenario, you should identify how the problem occurred or what is the situation. Don’t use anger to solve problems, think before you act and you will eventually come to a more positive resolution.

4. Listen to your partner and provide support

Many couples always use their partner as a reliever when something has bothered them in their day. Releasing things that frustrates them in their mind is a great way to foster togetherness. Be patient and offer your listening ear, then provide support to your partner that can comfort him or her. Doing this will strengthen your relationship and help eliminate secrets from being kept.

How Couples Counseling Helps

Couples counseling isn’t only for troubled couples that are often arguing. Seeking a couples counselor’s aid is also an effective way to maintain your healthy relationship. This is because couples counseling can help you identify your partner’s wants and needs, and know what else you may be lacking in your relationship.

Professional couples counselors can always provide you with the necessary tools and advice you can use to help you maintain your relationship. It will not only strengthen your current relationship bond, but it will also help you prepare for your future.

Signs That Tell You That You Need Marriage Counseling

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

Conflicts will always occur before and after you get married to your partner. That is part of growing your relationship and increasing your bonds. However, even married couples still get into arguments that may sometimes have negative effects in their relationship. Some negative effects can be that your partner may stop talking to you or may ignore you. Here’s where marriage counseling comes in. Marriage counseling is a psychotherapy that helps couples understand their problems and how they can resolve them. If you don’t know when to seek marriage counseling, then you should definitely know what the signs that tell you to do so are.

Signs That Tell Tou To Seek Marriage Counseling

Communication is vital to keeping a healthy marriage life and will be a setback if you lose this connection with your spouse.  And when you do get to speak to your partner, the conversation leads to arguments. These are clear signs that you should seek marriage counseling aid and the issues will only get worse as you continue to ignore them.

It’s very normal for married couples to talk about every small detail they like and dislike. These can be from their table manners, finances, habits, etc. However, you may feel too scared to speak your mind to your spouse as you don’t want to offend him or her. Marriage counselors will be able to help you build your confidence to tell your partner every detail you would like him or her to know about you.

Being transparent in a respectful way with your spouse will mean that you have a healthy marriage. However, if you begin to keep secrets and avoid sharing your personal experiences with your spouse, then your marriage can be in trouble.

It may also come to a point where you may think of wanting to change your partner’s habits and lifestyle. This is a clear sign that you are no longer happy in your marriage. Your partner can’t necessarily change their habits and basic traits just to please you. Seek marriage counseling immediately, as this will only incur more dissatisfaction toward your spouse.

What You Should Expect In Marriage Counseling

During your first sessions, a marriage counselor will assess the situations and know what your problems are. The counselor will ask you to communicate openly with each other and through that he or she can gain insights in your relationship. The counselor will most likely be able to identify your specific differences and help you come to a resolution that will be suitable for both of you. This is often how a marriage counselor will fix your problem and is a very effective way to mend relationships.

When choosing a marriage counselor, you should try doing research and ask friends or family for referrals. Find out if they had a positive experience in their counseling and know how the counseling sessions have affected their marriage. Get as many positive feedbacks from them to rate the counselor. Narrow down your choices and then see the counselor yourself.

Couple Counseling Tips On Arguing With Your Partner

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

Disagreements are normal in any new relationship. You will have your own likes and dislikes that may contradict your partner’s likes and dislikes. We are all different individuals, which is why it’s always important to discuss them with your partner. Arguments will always happen in any relationship and these healthy arguments can have positive effects on your relationship. So how can you engage in positive relationship-building arguments?

Tips On How To Engage In Arguments

Being in an argument can sometimes release your anger. Anger can affect the way you talk and can sometimes enable you to use foul or extreme language. Words that you don’t normally use may come out based on your frustration and emotion, but they aren’t really true. If you are angry and wish to converse with your partner, then try to think about your words first or step back and let yourself cool down.

Letting your partner know your thoughts and what you would like to happen can help strengthen your relationship. In most cases when you are in an argument, you will likely point out what are the flaws of your partner and say that you don’t like it. However, this can be quite offensive to some people which may fuel their anger and try to push negative thoughts back at you. Your partner should know your thoughts and the best way to do that is to simply tell them, “I feel this when you do this, but I would like it if you do this instead.” Giving your partner your thoughts and ideas can help them to try matching your preference.

Most individuals in arguments don’t allow each other to speak their mind and will often exchange words without taking their partner’s thoughts into consideration. If you know that you are about to have an argument, then it’s important that you listen to your partner and let them speak without being interrupted. Let your partner speak their mind and think about what he or she is saying to you. Try to see things from their point of view. You can validate where they’re coming from, even if you don’t agree with them. You’ll be able to think of your own statements or perhaps a solution in this kind of approach.

What Do Counselors Suggest When An Argument Gets Out Of Hand?

One major cause of a break-up is when couples are arguing too much that one decides to start threatening to end their relationship. We are simply overwhelmed by our emotions during an argument. You love your partner, which is why you are arguing. However, if it does come to a point where you can’t handle the argument much longer, then take a time out instead. It’s always better to hold an argument and ask for a break; this will give you and your partner time to think about the argument. It’s important to then use this time to calm yourself down.

Choosing the right time to argue is also a great way to start healthy arguments. Never engage your partner when he or she is in a bad mood. This will only increase their frustration and can take it out on you during the argument. The best way for you to engage your partner in healthy arguments is to be with a professional counselor. Not only will you both be able to speak your minds, you’ll both be able to get ideas and solutions that can further strengthen your relationship.

The Importance of Marriage Counseling

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments

There many couples rushing to get married as they think that marriage will lead to a stronger relationship bond. However, it may not be as easy as it may sound. Being ready for marriage takes a lot of time, requires hard work, and commitment toward each other. Most couples find out that they aren’t fully ready in the first year of their marriage and may find it difficult to squeeze in their relationship with their own daily lifestyle. These difficulties are very common and eventually will lead these types of couples to seek marriage counselors in order to maintain a healthy relationship.

Why Is Marriage Counseling Important For Couples?

Since most couples are busy with work and their own lifestyle, they may not have enough time for each other and may not even communicate throughout the day. Marriage counseling helps create time for couples to really come together and focus on their relationship. The counselor will become a mediator between the spouses which will help them establish healthy and effective communication.

Marriage counselors are professionals in analyzing behavioral patterns of the spouses. They can quickly identify what causes conflicts between couples by simply listening to their conversations. Once a counselor identifies what is the root cause of their conflicts he or she will then proceed to work on modifying them. This is usually when the counselor gives specific advises on what they should do and how they should act or what steps they can do to prevent it from happening.

Marriage counseling can give spouses the right tools to help them improve their communication. Effective communication is the most important aspect of any marriage and it is always what counselors would target. Counselors would often help enhance their communication by eliminating habits such as interrupting the other partner or speaking too much which gives the other no chance to respond.

What You Should Expect About Marriage Counseling

Marriage counselors have different approaches when dealing with different couples. They have different methods like seeing the spouses separately at first and then meeting them together after a period of time. Although this is sometimes effective it can still lead to some negative effects such as the couple’s partner feeling that their counselor is taking sides.

A popular form of couple counseling is emotionally focused therapy. This approach focuses on emotional responses that are tied to emotional needs. A change in emotion can sometimes lead to changes in the attitude or approach within a couple. The goal of this therapy is to rebuild their bond by focusing on the emotional needs of each partner.

Not all married couples seek marriage counseling because of conflicts. Some couples seek the aid of marriage counselors just to further improve their relationship bonds. If you think that you and your partner may lack something in your relationship, then you should try taking a few sessions of marriage counseling.

facts about couples counseling

The Facts About Couples Therapy

By | Couples Therapy | No Comments
There are a lot of couples therapy misconceptions. If you need a professional to help re-build your relationship, read this guide.

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship, even if you’ve been together for 50 years. But despite the fact that divorce rates have been hovering between 40 to 50 percent, there’s still hope for couples who have a strong desire to make it work.

Recent research revealed 75 percent of couples who did couples therapy believed they were “better off” after counseling. Sixty-five percent reported “significant” improvement in their relationship. And two years later, 50 percent of couples who sought therapy were still going strong.

Although some experience anxiety wondering if therapy will help you stay together, that’s the risk you must be willing to take. Seeing a couples therapist is a healthy way to explore your relationship patterns. It can also help you get unstuck from any issues that keep coming up.

Better communication with your partner is the ultimate goal. Consider therapy an investment in both your relationship and your mental health. Continue on to learn more about how couples therapy can work for you.

What is Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy, or marriage counseling, helps couples resolve conflicts. Partners learn ways to enhance their relationship with better communication tools and listening strategies. A licensed marriage counselor or psychotherapist helps guide couples through the process.

Treatment is on a short-term basis but sometimes can develop into long-term given the circumstances.

Common Misconceptions About Couples Therapy

When a couple decides to seek help for their relationship, it is a positive step in the right direction. Although relationship counseling is beneficial, sometimes unrealistic expectations can crop up.

A few common misconceptions about couples therapy that might prevent a couple from seeking therapy are:

1. One Person is Blamed for Most of the Relationship Issues

It’s common to avoid counseling for fear of getting blamed for relationship problems. Except for abuse or addiction history, an experienced therapist will take a fair and balanced approach to treatment.

2. Needing Individual Treatment Before Couples Counseling

Many couples put off relationship counseling because they believe they should deal with their own issues first. But that isn’t necessarily so. In fact, working on your relationship issues can pave the way for better communication and help decrease stress and anxiety.

3. We’ve Had These Issues For Years – Change is Unrealistic

No matter how many years you’ve been together, sometimes bad patterns and habits develop. This evolves into a dysfunctional relationship, which means the relationship focuses more on arguments, blame, fear, insecurities, and miscommunication.

But being in a dysfunctional relationship is not a completely hopeless situation. Relationship counseling helps with some of these patterns and redirects you toward more positive interactions and behaviors with each other.

Who Benefits from Couples Therapy?

Whether you are in a same-sex marriage, long-term relationship, or are engaged to be married, there are numerous benefits of seeking therapy. Some couples seek therapy because they have fallen into unhealthy communication patterns. Others require therapy as a tool to help them overcome a tragic event such as a death in the family or issues with addiction.

Below are several common reasons to seek relationship therapy:

  • Communication problems
  • Cheating
  • Physical abuse
  • Extended family issues
  • Financial problems
  • Control issues
  • Anger management
  • Sexual incompatibility
  • Drug or alcohol addiction
  • Death in the family
  • Child rearing issues

There are more issues that can crop up for couples seeking treatment, but these are among the most frequently addressed.

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

After mutually agreeing upon a therapist, a couple begins treatment with weekly therapy sessions. The sessions last about an hour, with the therapist asking the couple key questions about the relationship and any ongoing issues.

At the first meeting, the therapist asks the couple why they are there and gets background information on the relationship. Sometimes a questionnaire is given before the first meeting. This helps address any previous issues during the first few sessions.

Depending on what style is right for you, your therapist might give you “homework” to do at home with each other. This could range from reading a chapter of the same marriage counseling book to practicing active listening exercises.

What is the Role of Couples Therapist?

The therapist’s role is often multi-faceted. In the role of mediator, they help guide the relationship into better communication territory.

As mediator (or referee as some claim), a therapist can provide an objective view of the relationship without taking sides. By devoting a fair amount of time to each patient, they help individuals address their relationship issues in a safe environment.

A therapist also acts as a teacher and helps model positive communication. Their observation skills help therapists make assessments based on their professional training.

If arguments occur during a session, an experienced therapist helps guide the couple with keeping conflict resolution. Better communication tools are offered for couples in a calm and controlled environment.

How Relationship Counseling Helps

The benefits for couples attending relationship counseling are numerous. With the primary focus on improved communication, most couples are also able to achieve the following:

  • Learn active listening skills
  • Tackle issues together with the guidance of a professional therapist
  • Address dysfunctional patterns and work through them
  • Develop a heightened awareness of partner’s concerns in an objective way
  • Support each other in new ways
  • Strengthen communication skills by deconstructing negative patterns

Although new communication skills are beneficial to couples, sometimes pitfalls can happen.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that couples therapy will solve your relationship problems. Counseling sessions sometimes reveal a person’s painful past in ways that might feel too vulnerable to continue. Sometimes a couple will discover they do not want to stay together after all and break up.

Although these can be some couples greatest therapy fears, choosing to get help is the best plan.

How to Find a Great Couples Therapist

One of the most important things you can do for your relationship is to invest in treatment. But how do you take that first important step to finding the right therapist? Here are a few things to consider:

Start with referrals. Referrals are a great way to find a therapist, so ask friends, doctors, and neighbors. Look online, too.

Define your needs with your partner. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about your therapist qualifications. Do you need someone with a religious affiliation? Is there a preference for male or female?

Make an appointment for a consultation. To find the best fit, it’s often helpful to speak with the therapist in person, or by telephone, to get a feel for their style.

Check their credentials. Background and experience are very important so confirm a potential therapist’s licensing and affiliations. Also, check if there have been any complaints or disciplinary actions filed against them.

We understand that choosing to seek counseling is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. It can be a big step to get you on the path to healing old wounds and starting anew.

When you and your partner are ready to find a therapist, we are here for you.