Preparing to See a Couples Therapist

Couples therapy doesn’t have to be a stressful process. In fact, when you and your partner seek therapy, it can help you to work through issues in your relationship and help you to come out better in the long run. A couples therapist has experience in treating couples who are committed to improving upon their relationship.

Make Sure You Both Want to Go

Before you go on the search for a couples therapist, make sure that your partner is willing to participate in couples therapy with you. Seeing a therapist will require both of you to be committed to the process. Some people can be resistant to going to therapy. In some cases, meeting with prospective therapists can help put the resistant party at ease.

Take the Time to Find the Right Therapist

When considering couples therapy, you and your partner should take the time to review what you are looking to achieve from couples therapy together. Before choosing a therapist, take the time to consider your goals and therapists in your area. This can be helpful in narrowing down your options so that you are able to find a therapist who feels like a right fit for you and your partner. It may even be a good idea to meet with a few therapists you are considering. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for their style and ask them questions regarding their practice and their approach.

Be Open Minded to the Process

Try to keep an open mind when attending your first therapy session. Although you may be resistant at first, your therapist is experienced in couples therapy. Be open to trying new things that you may learn during therapy. Approaching therapy with an open mind can help to ensure that you and your partner can make the most of your therapy session.

Be Emotionally Prepared, Therapy is Hard

Therapy is not always easy. You and your partner won’t always leave a session feeling as though things have been resolved. Sometimes, therapy can stir up feelings and emotions that you may not have been aware of. Be prepared that sometimes, therapy will be difficult. Because of this, you may be forced to face some of the deepest and most challenging problems of your relationship. With a therapist, you and your partner may be able to come out on the other side of things stronger than you were before.

A Couples Therapist Will Make Your Comfortable

It’s important that you feel comfortable with the therapist you have chosen. This is why it may be advisable to meet with a couples therapist prior to committing to their services. Sitting down with a therapist can help you to get a feel for them. A counselor is well aware of the fact that you will be unpacking some of the most intimate details to your relationship with them. Because of this, counselors are skilled in making clients feel comfortable. Hashing out problems within your relationship can be challenging enough, doing this when you do not feel comfortable can feel nearly impossible.

Couples therapy doesn’t have to be the last chance at repairing your relationship. In fact, many couples attend therapy to improve the way they function within their relationship. A counselor can help work with you and your partner to work through tensions to help you improve communication within your relationship.