If you’re part of a couple who is starting up with couples therapy for any reason, you may be wondering what to expect and how to approach this. This can be a very new situation for many people, but with the right basic knowledge and approaches, you can easily adjust to the new setting and get major benefits out of couples therapy.
At Sunrise Solutions, we’re happy to offer couples therapy and marriage counseling services to Draper and nearby clients, plus several other forms of counseling for individuals and groups. Here are some of the common questions we’re asked by first-time couples ahead of couples therapy, plus some solid answers to help you understand everything you need to know before your first session.
What is Couples Therapy?
For starters, it’s often helpful to define what couples therapy is. In short, it’s a form of therapy that focuses on the relationship between two people and how they can work together to improve their relationship. Couples may come in with a variety of different issues — family tensions, communication problems, infidelity, or any other issue that’s impacting their relationship.
Our goal as therapists is to provide the tools, resources and advice to help couples get back on track. We’ll listen to both sides of the story, assess their needs and goals, and then create a plan for how they can move forward together in a healthy way.
How Long Does Couples Therapy Last?
This is a question that does not have a single defined answer, as couples may vary in time and effort needed to improve their communication. The length of a session can depend on the couples goals, how long the issue has been festering, and other factors. On average, couples typically come in for 6-12 sessions spread out over 1-3 months or longer.
In terms of how long it may take for sessions to have an impact, this can depend on the couples dedication to the process. Generally speaking, couples may start to notice a difference in their relationship dynamics within 2-4 weeks of therapy sessions.
Is Couples Therapy Covered by Medicaid or Insurance?
This is another question that does not have a single answer, as it can vary depending on your insurance plan or Medicaid coverage. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to determine what specific services are covered and check if we accept them.
However, in most cases, couples therapy is covered by insurance or Medicaid. Additionally, we offer a sliding scale fee for those who qualify, so please call us to discuss any financial assistance that may be available to you.
Does Couples Therapy Work?
For many couples, couples therapy can be a great way to improve communication and increase understanding of each other. Many clients have reported feeling more connected in their relationships after couples therapy sessions, and a stronger bond between them.
At Sunrise Solutions, we strive to provide the best quality counseling services for Draper area couples so that they can work on improving their relationships and moving forward in a healthy way. If you have any questions about couples therapy, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here for you!
What to Expect in Couples Therapy
While each couples therapy session may look different, here are some general tips and expectations to keep in mind:
- Come prepared: Before your session, you and your partner should discuss the topics that you want to cover so that you don’t get overwhelmed or sidetracked during your time with the therapist.
- Listen actively and without judgment: Listen to your partner’s thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism. This will allow you both to be more open and honest with each other during therapy sessions.
- Be open to feedback: Couples therapy is a great opportunity for both partners to receive honest and unbiased feedback on their communication patterns, behaviors, and expectations. Take the time to listen to each other’s perspectives and consider how you can make changes.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: It’s normal to have questions about the process, goals, and progress of couples therapy. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist for clarity or additional information during sessions.
With these tips in mind, you can feel confident in approaching your couples therapy sessions with a positive attitude and open mindset.
For more on any of our services, from couples therapy to individual counseling and more, contact Sunrise Solutions today! We are here to help you and your partner work through any issues and take the next step in a healthy relationship.