Couples Counseling
What is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling is a type of therapy that examines the dynamics in a romantic relationship. Many couples come to us for different reasons, whether it be to help work through conflict, establish a good foundation, or perhaps to reignite a spark between them.
Some of the relationship issues that may be addressed in therapy include:
Frequent conflict and arguments
Poor communication
Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
No matter what the problem may be, couples counseling can help. Through our sessions, we work on understanding each partner’s perspective and provide practical tools to resolve conflicts. Couples counseling also helps partners learn effective communication techniques and gain insight into their own values, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to the relationship. This type of therapy isn't just for couples in crisis - it’s also great for relationships of all kinds that want to grow and stay connected.
Typically, you and your partner will meet with your therapist together, then there will be a take-home assessment, and eventually, you will each do individual sessions as well to address personal issues that are contributing to the health of your relationship.
If you're looking for help with your relationship, couples counseling can be a great first step. We create a safe and comfortable space to talk openly and honestly while being guided by our experienced counselors. The journey of couples counseling may be difficult at times, but it can bring about a deeper understanding and connection for both partners. With the right guidance, couples can look forward to healthier communication and more meaningful relationships.
The Gottman Method
We provide an open and safe environment for all couples to be able to be honest with one another, strengthening the relationship through meaningful communication. All of our therapists are trained in the Gottman Method, a research based approach that not only supports and repairs troubled marriages and committed relationships, but strengthens happy ones.
We want to assure you that couples counseling is not only for dire relationship situations, as that is a common misconception. If you are having minor issues in your relationship that may benefit from an outside perspective, we encourage you to come talk to us about scheduling some couples counseling. We currently serve the Douglassville and Audubon PA area, and we can support couples throughout Pennsylvania via telesessions.
Do I Need Couples Counseling?
Whether happy or distressed, conflicted or content, all couples can benefit from counseling. That’s right. Couples counseling is NOT only for couples who are in trouble.We believe that every relationship can benefit from couples counseling. Having a professional who is trained in the latest research and interventions to help you strengthen your connection, who is an unbiased party whose goal is not to take sides but to champion your relationship, can be a profound support to deepening and strengthening any relationship.
Here are some facts: Today, about half of marriages end in divorce. Most distressed couples wait 6 years before seeking support. Yet in a study done by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 98% of clients reported positive experiences with couples and family counseling. The math here seems simple: counseling for couples is needed and most importantly it works! If your relationship is currently under strain or feels like it is falling apart, you can definitely benefit from counseling. Our therapists are here to objectively identify and expertly help you work through the issues that you are experiencing. We encourage you not to delay and risk deeper injuries if you are considering seeking counseling.
How Long is Couples Counseling?
Like all psychotherapy, this can vary widely. Since couples counseling can be more goal-oriented, the length of time clients work with us depends on their goals. Our first session will be together with your therapist and the couple, and we will send each of you home with a thorough assessment to complete. The next week, we will meet with each of you individually and you will return your assessments. The following week, we return again to a couples and therapist format to review the assessments and set goals for therapy.
From there, we find that most distressed couples work with us for 9 months or more depending on the issues involved. Other couples who are in a healthier place, or who are seeking premarital support may be in therapy for only a few months. Some couples seek to amplify their progress by scheduling “intensive” sessions that last a full day or weekend, and we are happy to accommodate this by request.
What if only one of us wants to come?
That's perfectly okay! In couples counseling, we focus on the couple as a unit and work with each partner individually. Even if only one of you is in the session at a time, the relationship will still benefit from our guidance. We can provide tips and strategies to help both partners move forward. So even if your partner is not ready to join, we can work together to help your relationship. Get in touch and let us know how we can help. We look forward to helping you create a stronger bond with your partner.
Is Couples Therapy Different from Individual Therapy?
Yes, it is. Couples therapy examines your relationship as a system, looking for ways for you to heal or improve aspects of it for the overall whole to work better. Individual therapy can work in tandem with couples counseling, allowing one partner to work through issues they may be experiencing that affects their relationship. Both places are a safe space for people in this relationship to vocalize their needs or struggles that they would like to work on. One of the wonderful things about working with our therapists here at Sanctuary Counseling is the collaborative team approach we take. Your couples therapist and your individual therapists, with your permission, will work together to support the entire family. If you are wondering whether couples or individual counseling would benefit you, we would love to speak with you further about your situation. Our welcome coordinators will get to know you and can help you determine how we can best offer you our support.
At Sanctuary Counseling, we want you to know that you are welcome here. We invite you to seek comfort in our practice, where we can provide a safe space for you to come and talk about any struggles you may be experiencing. Our warm and welcoming staff is here to be your biggest advocate, and let you know that you are the most important person in your life.
You are welcome here.