What to Expect from Couples Counseling

People often say that relationships “take work,” but that isn’t necessarily helpful advice. It can even leave a person feeling more angry or helpless when they’re unable to resolve ongoing conflicts. That’s where couples counseling can help.

Our skilled team at Associates in Behavioral Science understands the emotional and complex nature of relationships. Our couples counseling services can help establish a strong foundation built on respectful communication so you can resolve issues or ongoing conflicts, even if you feel like you’re on the verge of separating.

Are you facing challenges in your relationship? Here’s what to expect from couples counseling.

Understanding couples counseling

First, it’s important to note that couples counseling can help at any stage of a relationship. Its goal is to help improve a relationship, so it can offer numerous benefits for couples looking to strengthen their connection. 

Examples of challenges that often bring people to couples counseling include:

• Intimacy issues
• Loss of trust or infidelity
• Financial disputes
• Parenting style conflicts
• Substance use or addiction
• Disrespectful or negative communication
• Anger management issues
• Abuse

Since everyone and every relationship is different, you can rest easy knowing that our experienced team customizes our couples counseling sessions on a case-by-case basis. This personalized approach ensures they can address the unique needs of each relationship in a safe and supportive environment. 

In an ideal world, both parties have to come committed and willing to participate and open up for couples counseling to succeed. However, if your partner refuses to join, you can still do couples therapy alone. This can help you better understand your relationship and learn strategies to improve it.

What to expect from couples counseling

Our therapists strive to create a safe place where both parties can share their thoughts and feelings in an open, honest, and respectful way. This can seem scary, especially in the midst of ongoing conflict that seems insurmountable. However, you’re not alone.

During couples counseling, your therapist acts as a guide, helping you and your partner navigate difficult issues and teaching mindful, respectful communication styles. This process gets personalized to meet your challenges and goals, and your therapist could take a variety of approaches. For example, you could have a session with a structured format, or your therapist could encourage a free-flowing conversation where they ask you questions. 

Additional types of couples counseling include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: identifies and changes thought patterns that influence behavior in a negative way
• Behavioral therapy: shapes behavior to reinforce positive actions and discourage negative ones
• Emotionally focused therapy: improves attachment and bonding
• Psychodynamic therapy: explores motivating hopes and fears to help you better understand each other

Sometimes, couples counseling can raise issues that you or your partner need to address with your therapist separately. Similarly, if you have other challenges, like grief, substance use, or mental health disorders, our team provides comprehensive care for all psychological, emotional, and behavioral health needs.

Regardless of therapy style, your therapist works to help you solve the challenges that brought you to couples counseling. You also leave with the tools you need to build a stronger relationship. Many people who undergo couples counseling report feeling more connected with their own feelings and their partner, as well as more secure and satisfied in the relationship.

Curious to learn more about couples counseling services? Contact Associates in Behavioral Science in Berwyn, Illinois by calling or requesting a visit online today.