What Is Couples Therapy? Benefits Of Relationship Counseling
Key takeaways
- Couples therapy can help partners navigate a variety of challenges and relationship difficulties, and it’s not necessary to be married to seek support.
- Couples therapists typically work to support each partner and the relationship as a whole.
- Research supports the efficacy of several couples therapy modalities, which can be delivered in person or online.
Couples therapy is a form of talk therapy in which a therapist helps partners improve communication skills and foster a healthy relationship. Relationship therapists typically offer support to each partner and the couple as a unit. Only certain types of therapists, like those who focus on marriage and family therapy, may be qualified to deliver couples therapy, and there are a variety of approaches that have been shown to be successful. In sessions, the therapist will usually guide the conversation, helping partners communicate with each other while avoiding taking sides in favor of one partner or the other. There are various options available for couples seeking counseling, including online therapy, which can be as effective as traditional in-person treatment.
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples improve their relationships. A couples therapist encourages communication and respect within the relationship and teaches partners a variety of skills, such as active listening and conflict resolution.
What type of therapist guides couples therapy?
Couples counseling requires specialized training, so not every licensed mental health professional is qualified to provide it. If you’re interested in this type of counseling, it can be helpful to look for licensed marriage and family therapists or mental health professionals trained in emotionally focused couples therapy.
Who can benefit from relationship counseling?
Nearly any relationship can benefit from relationship counseling. While this type of therapy may sometimes be referred to as marriage counseling, you don’t have to be married to seek support. Whether you need help getting through a rough patch or want support as you navigate long-term difficulties like mental or physical illness, a qualified therapist can help.
What is couples therapy? Challenges it can address
If you’re facing any of the following relationship issues or concerns, a couples therapist may be able to help.
- Recurring conflicts
- Infidelity
- Abuse
- Problems with sexual intimacy
- Substance misuse
- Mental illness
- Physical illness
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Couples therapy can also be used preventively, as in the case of premarital counseling, for example. Relationship counseling can help couples build communication skills and learn how to develop a lasting connection that is resilient to challenges.
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What happens during couples therapy?
Every situation is different, and what happens in your therapy sessions will be tailored to your relationship needs. Most sessions involve both partners, though a couples therapist may meet with partners individually if necessary.
The therapist may start by asking couples questions about their families, beliefs, and current challenges. The goal of couples therapy is to explore current problems in the relationship with the intent of resolving short-term challenges and any longstanding dysfunctional patterns. In general, therapists do not take sides, but they may point out behaviors that contribute to problems in the relationship, whether exhibited by one or both partners.
Couples may be given homework in the form of exercises to practice together between sessions. This homework may strengthen the behaviors and tools learned during sessions.
Approaches to couples therapy
Therapists can use several approaches to couples therapy, including the following:
- Emotionally focused therapy
- The Gottman Method
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Cognitive behavioral couples therapy
- Imago relationship therapy
- Mindfulness-based couples therapy
Is online couples therapy a valid option?
Online couples therapy can be a convenient alternative to traditional in-person sessions, and research has shown that it can be just as effective as in-person treatment. With online couples therapy, you can work with a licensed professional from any location with an internet connection.
This flexibility can be beneficial for couples with children, busy work schedules, or limited free time, as it allows partners to attend sessions from anywhere, even if they’re in two different places, without having to worry about a commute. Get started with one of the licensed therapists on Regain to learn more.
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Takeaway
Couples therapy aims to support individual partners and the relationship as a whole, regardless of marital status. This type of counseling can be a beneficial option for couples who are facing short- or long-term challenges, and it can also help those who desire to strengthen their relationships so that they can effectively handle challenges in the future.
What actually happens in couples therapy?
Generally, licensed therapists strive to create a safe space where couples can address their relationship concerns and attempt to get on the same page about their future together. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), a safe environment where couples feel comfortable opening up about their feelings generally benefits couples therapy progress.
What are the disadvantages of couples therapy?
Seeking professional help to resolve conflicts in the relationship generally benefits couples. There could be some potential drawbacks, however, including:
- It can’t replace individual therapy for mental health conditions.
- It doesn’t always improve relationship satisfaction.
- It’s not appropriate for relationships involving domestic violence or active substance misuse.
- Some couples find it time-consuming and/or expensive.
- Couples therapy work can be emotionally taxing.
At what point do you need couples therapy?
Many couples benefit from couples therapy, but signs it may be necessary include:
- Constant fighting
- Sexual difficulties
- A lack of understanding or compassion
- Problems communicating
- Infidelity
- A need for problem solving skills
How much does couples therapy usually cost?
It can vary widely, with costs ranging from $50 to $250 per session. Traditional couples therapy tends to be more expensive while counseling via an online therapy platform is often more affordable.
What is the most common problem addressed in couples therapy?
Communication issues may be the most common problem addressed in couples therapy. A marriage counselor or couples therapist may address this issue by using behavioral couples therapy techniques and teaching communication skills, including active and reflective listening.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
Not usually. Some insurance plans may cover therapy if health issues such as mental disorders are negatively affecting the relationship, but others may still deny coverage.
What is the failure rate of couples therapy?
Some studies suggest that up to 30% of people who attend couples therapy may experience less-than-positive results such as divorce or further deterioration of the relationship.
Is there a way to get free couples therapy?
Most couples therapists offer free consultations so you can try a therapy session before committing to the process. Beyond that, finding free couples therapy may prove challenging. For affordable relationship therapy, consider attending sessions online.
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