Couples
All relationships run into difficulties at some point. Money worries, infidelity, the birth of a child, adoption, sexual problems, life transitions, divorce and so on, can all cause major strains on the quality of your life...
Talking to someone outside your usual dynamic can help you and your partner listen to each other.
The goal of couple's psychotherapy is to help the partners in the relationship develop better communication, understand and manage conflicts, and strengthen their emotional bond.
During couples therapy, I will work with both partners together to identify and address the underlying issues that may be causing problems in the relationship. I may also help the partners develop strategies to improve their relationship and create a healthier, more satisfying partnership.
Couple's psychotherapy can be helpful for couples who are struggling with issues such as communication problems, infidelity, trust issues, intimacy issues, or unresolved conflicts. It can also be beneficial for couples who want to strengthen their relationship and work towards building a stronger, more fulfilling connection with one another.
FAQs
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy, also known as marriage counselling, is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts to improve their relationships. It involves guided sessions with me, a licensed therapist, working with both partners together.
How do I know if couples therapy is right for us?
Couples therapy can be beneficial if you are experiencing communication issues, frequent arguments, intimacy problems, infidelity, or other relational conflicts. It’s also helpful if you feel disconnected or want to strengthen your bond.
What can we expect in a couples therapy session?
In a couples therapy session, you can expect a safe and confidential environment where both partners can express their feelings and concerns. As your psychodynamic psychotherapist, I will facilitate open communication, help identify underlying issues, and guide you towards constructive solutions.
How long does couples therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies depending on the issues being addressed and your goals. Some couples see improvements in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy over several months or even years. We’ll work together to determine an appropriate timeline.
Will our sessions be confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a key component of therapy. What you share in sessions will remain private, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, or as required by law.
Do both partners need to attend every session?
While it’s most effective for both partners to attend, there may be instances where individual sessions are beneficial. I’ll discuss the best approach for your specific situation with you.
Can therapy help if my partner doesn’t want to come?
Yes, individual therapy can still be beneficial. I can help you develop strategies to improve your relationship and cope with the challenges you’re facing, even if your partner is unwilling to participate.
What if we don’t see improvement?
Therapy is a process, and progress can take time. If you’re not seeing improvement, discuss your concerns with me. We can adjust the approach or suggest alternative strategies.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. You can contact me through my website or send an email to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and goals, and you can ask any additional questions you may have.
How does psychodynamic couples therapy work?
Psychodynamic couples therapy explores the unconscious processes and historical experiences that shape how you relate to your partner. By examining past relationships and unresolved conflicts, we can gain insight into your current dynamics and work towards healthier interactions.
What issues can couples therapy help with?
Couples therapy can address a wide range of issues, including:
Communication problems
Trust and infidelity
Intimacy issues
Conflict resolution
Parenting disagreements
Financial stress
Life transitions
Is couples therapy effective?
Yes, couples therapy can be highly effective in improving relationship satisfaction and communication. The success of therapy often depends on the commitment and willingness of both partners to engage in the process and apply the insights gained.
Can couples therapy help even if we are considering separation?
Absolutely. Couples therapy can provide a space to explore the possibility of reconciliation or to navigate a separation with greater understanding and respect. It can help both partners gain clarity about their feelings and make informed decisions about their future.
What is the Difference Between Couples Counselling and Couples Therapy?
Couples counselling and couples therapy are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they can have distinct differences, particularly in their approach and depth.
Couples Counselling:
Focus: Counselling typically focuses on addressing specific issues or conflicts within the relationship, such as communication problems, decision-making, or coping with a life change.
Duration: It is usually short-term and goal-oriented, often lasting for a few sessions.
Approach: Counselling is more focused on providing practical solutions and strategies to manage immediate problems and improve relationship skills.
Depth: The approach is generally more surface-level, dealing with present issues without delving deeply into underlying emotional or psychological patterns.
Couples Therapy:
Focus: Therapy, particularly psychodynamic couples therapy, aims to understand and address the deeper emotional and psychological issues that influence the relationship.
Duration: It tends to be longer-term, allowing for a more thorough exploration of complex dynamics and patterns.
Approach: Therapy involves exploring past relationships, unresolved conflicts, and unconscious processes that impact the current relationship.
Depth: The approach is deeper, aiming to uncover and work through underlying issues to facilitate long-term healing and growth in the relationship.
“Successful couples therapy requires both partners to be willing to take responsibility for their own behavior, communicate honestly and openly, and commit to making positive changes in their relationship.”