It’s never too late to work on your relationship. Getting to the underlying cause of whatever issues you might be facing can be hard to do on your own. That’s what makes couples therapy so effective and so important.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of common misconceptions about couples therapy. Those stereotypes and stigmas prevent far too many struggling couples from getting the help they need.
So, instead of brushing off counseling based on what you’ve heard, a better option is to ask questions that mean something to you.
When you feel more comfortable and confident as you first walk into a couples counseling session, you’ll be more likely to open up, show vulnerability, and truly believe therapy can help your relationship.
Not sure which questions you should ask? Obviously, it’s a very personal thing. But, let’s cover a few important ones that might inspire some of your own.
Ask About Your Counselor
It’s crucial to work with a couples therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with. So don’t be afraid to do your research. Unfortunately, some people believe therapists are going to be one-sided or use methods and techniques they don’t like.
Take the time to “look around” for different options. Contact therapists and ask about their process. Many times, going with your gut is the best thing to do, especially if you and your partner are on the same page about who you like and who you think can help.
It’s also important to look at credentials, read reviews, and ask what you can expect from your sessions. The more information you can get upfront from a potential counselor, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel at your first session.
Ask Yourself: Is Something Holding Me Back?
If you’ve been hesitant to start counseling, ask yourself what’s holding you back before you commit. When you are able to clear that up, you’ll be more willing to commit yourself to therapy on a long-term basis.
Maybe you believe your relationship is too damaged. Or maybe you’re worried about your ability to fully and effectively communicate. Are there things you haven’t told your partner or secrets you’re worried they haven’t told you?
There are so many reasons people choose to be hesitant about therapy and won’t make a commitment. Asking yourself what’s truly holding you back is crucial. When you recognize it, you can commit to working through it.
Ask Your Partner: What’s Causing Problems?
Most couples who are considering therapy know there are issues they have to deal with and work through. But, far too often, they don’t fully grasp what those issues are. Or, they aren’t sure where they can make changes that would improve the relationship.
Asking about the underlying problems shouldn’t turn into a blame game or argument. Instead, it should bring some issues to light that you want to discuss with a therapist in a safe and neutral setting.
It’s important to know how you can bridge the gap with your partner. Understanding what’s causing the divide, in the first place, is the perfect place to start. Just talking about it, in fact, is a jumping-off point for the healing process. When you are both willing to open up about your problems and make a commitment to working on them, it shows your dedication to your relationship.
If you have questions about couples therapy and want to know more about what to expect, feel free to contact us, 256-686-9195. It’s understandable to be a bit hesitant, at first. But, if you’re willing to make a commitment to counseling, your relationship (and both people involved!) can truly start to heal.