Couples counseling is based on the premise that individuals and their problems are best handled within the context of the couple’s relationship. Typically, both partners in the relationship attend the counseling session to discuss the couple’s specific issues. Couples therapy or couple’s counseling is a useful modality of help for couples who are experiencing difficulties such as repetitive arguments, feelings of distance or emptiness in the relationship, pervasive feelings of anger, resentment or dissatisfaction, or lack of interest in affection or in a physical relationship with one another.
Benefits of Couples Therapy for the Couple
- Improved communication and being able to see each other's point of view
- Increased conflict resolution skills
- Increased affection
- Improved emotional and physical intimacy
- Collective problem-solving abilities
Goals of Couples Therapy
- Develop a closer relationship
- Work towards healing old wounds
- Feel heard by your partner
- Deal with unpleasant emotions
- Learn to resolve conflicts as they happen
- Create more positive interactions
- Set priorities as a couple
- Set goals as a couple
- Become more supportive of each other
- Develop better parenting strategies
- Manage life transitions more effectively
Benefits of Couples Therapy for the Individual
- Understand yourself better
- Learn assertiveness skills
- Change behaviors that might be holding you back
- Develop a positive and realistic mindset
- Learn communication skills that can be used with people other than your partner
- Create better decision-making skills