What can I expect?
You are a strong unit! allow yourself to learn the skills needed to be consistently strong. What you can expect in Couples or Family Sessions:
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Open Communication: Both partners are encouraged to openly express their feelings and thoughts. The therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for this dialogue.
Active Listening: Each partner is encouraged to listen to the other’s perspective without interruption or immediate reaction. This helps in understanding each other’s point of view.
Problem Identification: The therapist helps the couple identify the main issues affecting their relationship. These could be communication problems, trust issues, or disagreements about important topics.
Goal Setting: The couple, with the help of the therapist, sets goals for what they want to achieve through therapy. These could be improving communication, rebuilding trust, or resolving specific disagreements.
Skill Building: The therapist teaches the couple new skills to improve their relationship. These could include communication techniques, conflict resolution strategies, or ways to build intimacy.
Homework Assignments: The therapist often gives the couple tasks to do between sessions. These tasks are designed to help the couple practice the skills they are learning in therapy.
Couples therapy differs from individual therapy in several ways:
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Focus: While individual therapy focuses on the individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, couples therapy focuses on the relationship between the two individuals.
Goals:Â The goals of individual therapy are usually centered around personal growth and self-improvement. In contrast, the goals of couples therapy are usually centered around improving the relationship.
Sessions: In individual therapy, sessions are one-on-one with the therapist. In couples therapy, sessions usually involve both partners and the therapist.
Homework: In individual therapy, homework assignments are designed for the individual to work on alone. In couples therapy, homework assignments are designed for the couple to work on together.
Remember, every couple and individual is unique, so therapy will look different for everyone. It’s important to find a therapist and a style of therapy that works best for you and your situation.