Are you and your partner struggling to stay connected? Are you in a conflict pattern that leaves you frustrated and upset? If so, couples counselling may be the answer. In couples counselling, a specially trained neutral third-party therapist can help you reconnect, resolve conflicts, and build healthier communication skills. Couples counselling can help couples of all ages and stages to strengthen their relationship and work through challenging issues that threaten to break it down.
This guide will give you an overview of the benefits of couples counselling, what kind of counselling is available for couples, and how it can help your relationship thrive.
Understand the Value of Couples Counselling.
Before embarking on couples counselling, it’s important to understand the value of seeking help and what you can gain from it. Counselling is beneficial because it gives couples a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Additionally, a trained counsellor will provide insight into improving communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and relationship goals. Counselling is also an opportunity for couples to take accountability for their actions and learn to accept each other's faults to overcome differences.
Choose the Right Couples Counselling Option.
When it comes to couples therapy, the most critical step is finding a qualified couples counsellor that fits your needs and preferences. Some therapists may be better suited for some couples than others, and you should take the time to explore all options. Different therapists also offer different modalities, such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) views love as an attachment bond. Therefore it takes an attachment-based approach to couples' therapy. The goals of the Gottman Method of couples therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the relationship.
Watch our YouTube Video on the Gottman Method Relationship Masters and Disasters.
Prepare for Your Sessions Together.
Before you start your couples counselling, it’s essential to plan for your sessions with each other. Take the time to sit down and discuss what you hope to get out of the sessions and any issues or topics you want to work on. Preparing will help ensure that you and your counsellor can make the most of your time together, focusing on the things that really matter. Remember that couples counselling is a joint effort, and everyone should be prepared to talk honestly about their feelings and wishes to get the best results.
Take Steps to Improve Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills.
Couples counselling can help you learn how to communicate and resolve conflicts in healthy ways. Your counsellor will teach you skills such as active listening, assertive communication, and de-escalation techniques to help you constructively work through disagreements. Working with a counsellor can also provide you with tools and strategies for respectfully communing your needs and expectations. Each person involved must be willing to take responsibility for their part of the problem and actively participate in resolving it if real progress is to be made.
Establish a Plan to Implement What You've Learned in Therapy.
It is crucial to establish a plan so that both individuals are on the same page regarding expectations, objectives and follow-up. Documenting your action steps is a great way to move forward as a couple and create opportunities for your relationship to grow and improve. Recording can include agreeing on which communication techniques you prefer and providing each other with constructive feedback when needed.
Couples counselling can be incredibly beneficial for those seeking extra support in strengthening their relationship or preparing for marriage. While it can be intimidating to seek outside help for your relationship, taking this step could make all the difference in getting back on track and staying there long-term. Finding the right therapist is key – make sure you take the time to carefully research potential candidates before making a final decision; this will ensure that you have chosen someone who suits your needs best!
As always, feel free to call us at Nōmina Integrated Health. With the right support system in place, you'll be able to navigate whatever challenges come your way while continuing to grow together as a couple.