When it comes to being in a relationship, unexpected challenges begin to arise over time. You may find yourself in stagnant arguments that quickly go from “0 to 60.” Aspects of your partner you once found charming may now be the very things that frustrate you. You may feel that your partner has somehow changed. Sometimes we try to address this slump by moving, changing jobs or even having a baby. Sadly, these external changes rarely pump new life into the relationship for long. This is where professional couples counseling comes in.
What Is (and Isn’t) Couples Counseling About?
Couples counseling isn’t about “fixing” your partner. It’s about learning how both members of the relationship unintentionally contribute to conflict and dissatisfaction. Expert couple therapy helps couples refocus on the internal. The right therapist can help you talk through sensitive issues and guide you in recognizing power struggles.
What Are Common Issues for Couples Counseling?
It’s probably more efficient to say what ISN’T common for couples. Friction can stem from a variety of areas and no two couples are completely alike. However, there are areas that are discussed more frequently than others. The most frequent? Finances and Sex! In addition, other common issues include infidelity and affairs, trust, general communication, conflict resolution, career vs family, gender roles, family planning concerns, anger management and substance abuse.
Does Couples Counseling Work?
Counselors are trained to be non-judgmental and unbiased about the outcome of couples counseling. For some couples, their hard work in and in-between sessions leads to a more deep and satisfying relationship than they had thought possible. Once their goals have been reached, they may simply touch base with the therapist from time to time to make sure they are staying on track.
Some relationships are unhealthy or no longer share the same basic life goals, attitudes, or beliefs. In these instances, marriage counseling helps the couple go their separate ways as peacefully as possible, while learning from their recent struggles. Whether you utilize couple therapy to strengthen your relationship or to move on with your life is ultimately up to you and your partner.
What Should I Expect?
For the first meeting, a joint session is usually best. During this initial meeting, the therapist will gather information about the couple’s history and background. Recent and longstanding issues within the relationship will be explored. Persistent arguments will be examined in detail, and individual communication styles will be assessed. Based on this information, the therapist will suggest a specific treatment plan for moving forward. Homework is often assigned, and concrete goals are set. For best results, couples are expected to work on their relationship between marriage counseling sessions. At times, the therapist may meet with the members of the couple individually. Any information shared within individual sessions remains entirely confidential.
Can I Use Insurance for Couples Counseling?
We know insurance can get confusing. Each psychologist, therapist, coach or private practice may offer different or no network counseling. In addition, provider benefits vary from plan to plan. The best thing to do? First contact your insurance carrier and ask about mental health benefits. You can also get a list of health care providers that are in-network for you. In addition, discuss insurance benefits with the specialist you’re chatting with and bring your insurance card with you to the first session.
How Do I Find the Perfect Couples Counselor for Me Here in Plano?
The key is discussing counseling and preferences with your partner before making an appointment.
Generally speaking, typically, one member of the couple is more open to couples counseling. The other member of the couple may have reservations about couples counseling or counseling in general. When choosing a couples counselor, it makes strategic sense to specifically consider the viewpoint of the more reluctant party and consider areas such as the gender of the counselor. If the more reluctant party has strong preferences, for whatever reason, keeping that in mind is usually the best place to start. In addition, not all therapists choose to work with insurance providers. It’s important that you investigate and discuss insurance coverage with a prospective counselor for optimal matching.
So How Do I Get Started?
First, you can continue to educate yourself! We have a variety of different blog articles around relationships with best practice tips. Feel free to search through our repertoire of articles at: https://planowholelife.com/blog/.
Next, contact your insurance provider, if you have one, to learn about your in-network and out-of-network mental health benefits.
Then, start researching and contacting counselors.
Here, we’re a little biased. We believe that Plano Whole Life Counseling and https://dallaswholelife.com/treatment-options/couples-counseling/ are the best places to go for relationship counseling and coaching. Since 1999, our team have provided a wide variety of counseling and coaching specialists who work with couples in both Plano and Dallas.
If you have an interest in working with one of our couples counselors or psychologists, we encourage you to call Plano Whole Life Counseling at (469)609-7831, or contact us via this website.
Our clients choose our one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized practice because they want therapists who have achieved success and satisfaction in their own lives. They want a confident therapist who will speak to them simply and directly, who isn’t afraid to offer clear advice and firm guidance when appropriate. At the same time, our therapists know when to listen actively and compassionately, offering emotional support and heartfelt encouragement as you confront challenges in your life.
Other Helpful Blog Articles:
Recovering from an Affair
5 Tips to Help Repair a Broken Relationship
Couples Counseling: Male or Female Counselor?
What to Expect in Couples Counseling
What Dropping Divorce Rates Could Mean for New Relationship Norms
The Business of Relationships – Is Yours More Like a Transaction?
How Relationship Tension Can Trigger Depression
Understanding Why Action is Important in a Relationship
Couples Counseling: One Essential Key to Success
Divorce – Understanding the Stats of Second and Third Marriages
Psychologist, Counselor, Therapist, Coach – What IS the difference?
Relationship Quicksand: Should I Stay or Should I Go?The Research Is In: 3 Factors for a Cheating Spouse
Creating Family Stunt Doubles in Adult Relationships
Marriage Counseling and the 48 Hour Rule
Couples Counseling and Better Communication
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