Marriage counsellors, also known as couples therapists, are trained professionals who specialize in helping couples improve their relationships. They use a variety of techniques and methods to help couples communicate more effectively, understand each other’s needs and perspectives, and resolve conflicts. A common communication style used in couples therapy is active listening, where the counsellor encourages both partners to share their thoughts and feelings, and then reflects back on what they have heard to ensure understanding.
The goal of marriage counselling is to help couples improve their relationship and strengthen their bond.
Here are some questions to consider before booking in a couples therapy session:
Is there any form of abusive behaviour in my relationship, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse?
If you suspect that there is physical, sexual, or emotional abuse present in your relationship, it is important to seek help from a professional before entering couples therapy. This is because couples therapy may involve difficult conversations that can lead to heightened emotions, and if the couple’s coping mechanisms involve abuse, couples therapy may put them at risk for continued abuse if they do not have other healthy strategies in place.
Reach out to resources and contact numbers for help and support to address and address any abuse present in the relationship.
Are you expecting therapy to fix your partner and not willing to take responsibility for your own actions in the relationship?
Couples therapy aims to understand and address the issues in a relationship by looking at the behaviours and actions of both partners. During therapy, couples therapists remain neutral and focused on supporting each person and the relationship, rather than aligning with one person over the other.
They work to help each person feel heard and understood and encourage both parties to reflect on their own actions and contributions to the relationship dynamics. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about couples therapy, and understand that self-reflection and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Motivation for Couples Therapy: Addressing Unwillingness to Reflect on Personal Contributions
Couples therapy is most effective when each partner is fully committed to the process. While it is normal to have doubts or reservations about therapy, it is important for both individuals to be willing to actively participate in sessions. A successful outcome is more likely when both partners demonstrate a willingness to put in the effort and open themselves up.
Is one of us in an ongoing affair, and is there a lack of motivation to end it before starting couples therapy?
Ending the affair and fully committing to the primary relationship is crucial for healing after infidelity. If there is still an ongoing connection to the affair partner or ambivalence about recommitting, the relationship is at greater risk. Then couples therapy may not be effective for the relationship.
Do I or does my partner struggle with serious drug, alcohol, or other addictions?
Couples therapy is like a two person relay race where both partners need to be in good condition and free of any major issues that could hold you and your partner back. When one partner is struggling with addiction, it’s recommended to seek individual counselling first before engaging in couples therapy.
This ensures that both partners are on the same level and ready to work on the relationship. If you or your partner are struggling with addiction, there are various resources and services available for drug and alcohol counselling, gambling addiction, and eating addiction in Perth.
Is there unresolved trauma from our past that is impacting our relationship currently?
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, and can also affect a relationship.
If one or both partners have unresolved trauma, couples therapy may not be the best option until the trauma has been addressed through individual therapy with a trauma-informed therapist. This will help to ensure that the therapy does not trigger traumatic memories or experiences and can be more effective in the long run.
Recent Trauma or Life-Threatening Event: How it Impacts Couples Therapy
Healing from acute trauma often requires processing to gain understanding and make sense of the event. Traumatic events such as car accidents, near-death experiences, fires, home invasions, natural disasters, and the death of a loved one can trigger a fight-flight-freeze-submit response.
If you or your partner have recently experienced a traumatic event, it’s important to first seek support either via Individual Therapy or Couples Therapy to learn coping strategies. Your individual therapist should be able to give you some control over the situation and provide you with resources for coping with traumatic events and grief and loss.
Do either my partner or I experience active hallucinations or delusions?
Certain mental health conditions, such as Schizophrenia or Brief Psychotic Disorder, include symptoms of hallucinations (perceptions that others cannot perceive) or delusions (false beliefs). These symptoms must be managed before progress can be made in couples therapy. Medication management with a psychiatrist and individual counselling are typically helpful. If you or your partner are experiencing psychosis, there are resources and effective treatments available to help moderate the situation.
Answer “YES”
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, it may be beneficial to seek individual support before beginning therapy. To get the most out of couples therapy, it’s important to ensure that both you and your relationship are ready for the process.
At Couples Counselling Perth – the Energetics Institute, we understand that maintaining healthy relationships and finding fulfilment can be challenging. That’s why our couples therapist team has a wide range of services designed to help our clients achieve their goals. Whether you’re an individual or a couple, we’ll work with you to develop effective, long-term strategies that promote health and well-being. Our experienced therapists will help you navigate the complex dynamics of your relationships and develop the strategies you need to sustain a healthy and fulfilling life.
Our team of experienced therapists are experts in their field who understand the elements that make up an intimate relationship and are able to provide a wide range of therapy services such as couples and individual therapy, family therapy, and trauma therapy. We use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help our clients achieve their goals. From cognitive behavioural therapy to mindfulness-based interventions, we’ll work with you to find the approach that best fits your needs.
Don’t let life’s challenges hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a couples therapy session and start on your journey towards a healthier, happier life. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship, address personal issues, have more intimacy and commitment or simply find more meaning in life, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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