Couples Therapy
Why go to couple's therapy?
Many people have a negative opinion of couples therapy, but it can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship. Communication, safety, and intimacy are important in every relationship. Improving those areas can significantly increase the value and benefits of relationships.
Research shows that contempt in a relationship is detrimental to physical health. Couples therapy helps to alleviate contemptuous feelings that are so destructive to the body. People with happy relationships tend to live longer and feel successful in life.
"If I have to go to couples therapy, my relationship must be over, right?"
There are many people that share this belief but it is simply not true. If both partners are willing and open to changing how they communicate within the relationship, progress can be made.
"Is therapy over if we decide to separate or divorce?"
Not necessarily. Therapy can be very beneficial for navigating complex separations because it allows for feelings to be processed and decisions to be made within the relationship so each person has the opportunity to have their needs met.
"We fight all the time! How can I see a future when we can't even talk about little problems?"
This is a common comment that is made right at the start of therapy! Many people believe that the frequency of conflict is indicative of the success of a relationship; if we don't fight, we must be happy, right? Wrong. Many high-conflict couples are able to do the work to understand each other's perspective and rebuild connection with their partner. The goal of therapy should never be to not have conflict, rather to learn to grow through conflict and develop a deeper, more meaningful connection with a partner.
what type of couples therapy is best for us?
Weekly/Biweekly/Monthly
This type of therapy has many perks! This is what most people think of when they hear "couples therapy." Generally 1-hour sessions once per week, once every other week, or once per month. Usually covered by insurance plans (we only accept commercial plans), and individualized to meet the needs of each couple.
Workshops
Workshops are not technically considered therapy, but they are psychoeducational in nature. Our workshops are comprised of a maximum of 5 couples and focus on skill building and education on topics related to relationships. Our workshops often have a theme (Veterans, first responders, newlyweds, etc) and focus on specific issues related to the theme. Workshops are not covered by insurance.
Intensives
Intensives are just as they sound... intense! Intensives are 6 hours of psychoeducation, skill building, problem solving, empathy building, and self regulation. Intensives may be covered in part by insurance but do have an out of pocket cost as well. One intensive may be beneficial, however some clients choose to schedule subsequent sessions using the intensive model, or switch to weekly therapy.