Frequently Asked Questions about Couples Counseling
How long does it take?
- Many couples are satisfied with the results in a few sessions.
- Couples may choose to come in from time to time when they feel that a third party may help resolve a particular issue more quickly.
- Couples with complex issues to sort out, and couples who have long standing difficulties, or issues of trust and betrayal, generally require a greater number of sessions.
- Couples may come in for short-term issues associated with change: engagement, parenting, being a new parent, step-parenting, empty-nest, retirement, moving, caring for an aging parent, grief, etc.
- The number of sessions is ultimately up to you.
How do I know it will work for us?
- Some things are certain when you try something new or try again; you will have more knowledge and be changed by the experience.
- You will: Know more about yourself and about your partner - Have new perspectives that affect you and relationship for the better - Possess essential skills for interacting and responding that enhance relationship stability.
Most important of all, you will feel good knowing that you are doing, and ultimately will have done, everything you can for the relationship. Sadly, this is not something everyone can know and feel.
What if my partner just sits there?
- It may be the most he or she is capable of at first.
- The willingness to attend, in and of itself, increases the likelihood that things will work out.
- If “just sitting there” is what happened before, know that trying again shows that your partner has some hope that things will change. Capitalize on that.
What if my husband, wife, significant other, partner won’t attend?
- A terrific aspect my work with couples and families has to do with my skill in facilitating positive change in the person who attends therapy in such a way that very often there result positive responses in the other(s) who do not come.
- Working with you may be what has to happen first.
- Working with you first may be the only way that your partner will engage in the process of change.
- Keep in mind that the goal is to have a satisfying and healthy relationship, not to do couples counseling.
- While some say having to go by yourself is a bad sign, my experience has shown me that it is not.
If you have other questions, or if you are ready to make an appointment, please call me, or email me via the Contact page.
