How Can A Couples Therapist Help With Relationship Challenges?
Key takeaways
- A couples therapist is a type of mental health professional who has undergone specialized training in order to support couples with relationship challenges.
- Couples therapists may use similar techniques in their sessions, but there are several different couples therapy approaches and methodologies.
- In order to find a therapist who is both the right fit and affordable, consider researching your options and setting up initial consultations with a few therapists. Online couples therapy is an option that you may find both convenient and affordable.
A couples therapist can offer well-timed relationship support, using evidence-based techniques and approaches. Couples therapists are specially trained to offer support to couples, and they may use a number of different approaches in their work. You and your partner might realize that you could use help, but getting started with finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are steps you can take to find a therapist who is the right fit.
What is a couples therapist?
A couples therapist is a type of mental health professional. This title refers to a licensed therapist who supports couples with relationship problems. Usually, they are trained to be a licensed marriage and family therapist, but a psychologist or other type of trained therapist can also offer couples counseling. Any type of licensed therapist that you work with will have earned a master’s degree in their field, undergone supervised clinical training, and passed a licensing exam.
The work of a couples therapist
In couples counseling, a therapist can help the couple create relationship goals. They may support the couple as they uncover the dynamics behind their relationship challenges, which can stem from childhood experiences or current challenges such as substance use (formerly called substance abuse).
The therapist may also facilitate communication between partners and teach them conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. In some cases, a therapist may work with entire families, helping to shed light on unproductive family dynamics.
Is there a specific approach couples therapists use?
The aim of couples therapy is relationship support, and many couples therapists use similar techniques and processes. However, there are a number of different methodologies and approaches that therapists might draw from.
Couples therapy approaches
The following are some of the more common couples therapy approaches:
- The Gottman Method
- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
- Imago therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT)
How it works
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How can you find the therapist that’s best for you and your partner?
If you are seeking a therapist to provide couples or marriage counseling, the variety of choices can feel overwhelming. However, there are certain steps you can take to narrow down your options and make sure that you find a therapist who fits your own needs and your partner’s needs:
- Do your research: Ask for referrals from friends and family, conduct internet searches, use specialized online therapist directories, and investigate online therapy platforms.
- Learn about each therapist’s approach: Read about each therapist, including their areas of specialization, any special training they have received, their experience level, their education, their type of therapy license, and what they say about themselves and their practice.
- Schedule initial consultations: Once you have narrowed down a few therapists, set up initial consultations so that you and your partner can meet them. At the meeting, tell them about your needs and ask them about their approach. You can also get a feel for their personality and consider whether you’d feel comfortable working with them.
How much does a couples therapist cost?
Couples therapy sessions typically cost somewhere between $75 and $200 per session, and the cost may vary based on therapist experience, session length, type of therapy, and geographical location.
Major insurance plans sometimes cover couples therapy, and finding an in-network
therapist can lower your copay. However, most insurance plans won’t cover couples therapy unless one or both partners has a mental disorder diagnosis.
Online couples therapy is affordable and convenient
Online couples therapy, especially via an online therapy platform, can be a more affordable option than seeing someone in person. Furthermore, it removes the hassle of traveling to in-person appointments. The option of attending sessions from the comfort home may also offer the discretion that many couples desire.
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Takeaway
When you and your partner decide to seek support from a couples therapist, it could be important to find a therapist who is the right fit. The goal of a couples therapist is to help partners gain awareness of their relationship dynamics and to improve communication and conflict resolution skills. This can result in a more satisfying relationship. Couples therapists are specially trained and often use common couples therapy approaches. Connecting with a couples therapist via an online therapy platform can be both affordable and convenient.
How much does a couples therapist cost?
Many people ask, “How much does couples therapy cost?”. Fees for couples therapy services can vary widely, from approximately $50 per session to over $250 a session. Online couples counseling can be less expensive.
What kind of therapist is best for couples?
Many types of therapists can effectively provide relationship therapy, including:
- Licensed marriage and family therapists
- Clinical social workers
- Licensed psychologists
- Licensed professional counselors
For the best results, it may be best to look for a counselor or therapist who specializes in marriage therapy or couples counseling.
What does a couple therapist do?
A couples therapist helps people in romantic relationships identify relationship issues and address them using evidence-based techniques such as conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
Is couples therapy ever covered by insurance?
Does insurance cover couples therapy? It’s a common question for couples worldwide. In some cases, insurance plans will cover couples therapy if one or both partners are experiencing mental health concerns. You may need to show proof of a diagnosis and demonstrate how the condition negatively impacts the relationship.
What percentage of couples survive couples therapy?
Some studies indicate that over 70% of people report being ”better off” after relationship counseling. This suggests divorce can be averted through counseling for married couples.
How long does couples therapy usually last?
Most couples attend therapy for several months, but others with more complex relationship issues may spend years in therapy. The duration of counseling could also depend on your therapist and the therapeutic approach they employ.
Is there a way to get free couples therapy?
Most providers offer a free consultation so clients can assess whether they’re a good match. If you and your partner find a suitable provider for ongoing relationship therapy, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per session.
Why might insurance deny couples therapy?
Health insurance plans often cover individual therapy, but it can be more difficult to get coverage for couples therapy. Insurance companies typically deny coverage for this type of therapy unless one or more partners have been diagnosed with a mental illness that threatens the relationship.
Is couples therapy ever worth it?
Yes. Many couples in romantic relationships benefit from premarital counseling or couples therapy. This type of therapy can help improve intimacy in relationships, teach partners to regulate emotional responses during conflict, help them navigate the relationship while raising children, and much more.
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