In the past, when a couple was having problems with their relationship, they would get counseling from family members, close friends, or religious leaders in the community. Nowadays, there are psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors to give advice to those who are married or in a relationship and struggling with their significant other.

While half of the marriages end in divorce, many more suffer from distress in their relationships. They may face issues such as money problems and challenges with communication and intimacy. In many relationships, there is one person putting in all the effort.

Instead of breaking up or divorcing, many couples opt for couples counseling to repair their relationship. Counseling allows people a safe place to discuss the issues they are facing in their relationships. They can express their concerns and fears and learn how to communicate better. A counselor can help you understand each others’ points of view and expectations as well as

offer you the tools and skills you need to effectively talk to each other, handle the various challenges you face, and make your relationship work.

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling is a type of psychotherapy in which a licensed therapist with clinical experience working with couples helps those involved in a romantic relationship learn more about their relationship, resolve conflicts, and improve relationship satisfaction. Couples therapy focuses on behavioral strategies that may vary based on how each counselor operates. However, there are generally several elements involved:

• A focus on a specific problem, such as intimacy, jealousy, addiction, or finances
• The counselor actively participates in treating the relationship itself, not each individual separately.
• Change-oriented interventions that focus on solutions
• Established treatment objectives

What Can I Expect From Couples Counseling?

Many couples avoid couples therapy because they don’t feel comfortable sharing their problems with a stranger. They may see therapy as a stigma in their culture or society. But they may change their mind once they know what to expect.

The first couples counseling session is more of an introductory meeting in which the counselor will ask about the history of the relationship and learn more about their families, cultural background, and values. The counselor will then help the couple identify the main issue they are facing and establish treatment goals.

During the sessions, the counselor will help the couple understand what is creating the problem and help each partner understand their roles in the dysfunctional interactions. 

However, changes do not happen right away. The couple will need to do the actual work of changing their behaviors. The counselor will often assign each partner homework so they can apply the skills they have learned in counseling. This helps the couple communicate and solve problems more effectively.

Get Help Today

Relationships are not always easy. Get the help you need from Improving Lives Counseling Services. We provide high quality counseling services in a professional and friendly environment. 

Stressed out with your marriage? See how you can improve your relationships so you can be happy. Give us a call at (918) 268-2690 or fill out the online form to schedule an appointment. We offer flexible evening and weekend appointments.