What is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling is centered on each person's strengths as an individual and as part of the relationship with an emphasis on improving the relationship for both partners. It can help you to make thoughtful decisions about the future of your relationship. Throughout the counseling process, couples can expect to learn new ways of communicating, see their relationship in a more objective manner, begin to change patterns of interacting that no longer work, increase intimacy, increase mutual support, and speak more openly and honestly.
Why Consider Couples Counseling?
Although many couples come to counseling when they are experiencing challenges in their relationship, couples therapy is not just for couples in crisis or those ending their relationships. Many couples want tools to improve communication and resolve ongoing or long-standing conflict. Some couples want to feel more connected and increase emotional and sexual intimacy following a disruption in their relationship. Others begin therapy at the start of their relationship to anticipate how they will handle finances, raise children, negotiate careers, and make important decisions about the relationship.
Couples issues that we work with at Willamette Sky:
- communication issues
- infidelity
- separation or preparing for a divorce
- increased fighting, intense moods and emotions
- financial issues
- family of origin issues
- parenting and co-parenting issues
- increasing emotional intimacy and connection
- loss of sexuality and emotional intimacy
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What Can You Expect in Your First Meeting for Couples Counseling
You can expect to be asked to complete some forms. These will include a brief history and questions about you, office policies, and a financial statement. We will provide you with a privacy statement, and information about confidentiality and your rights and responsibilities.
- You can expect to be asked some questions about your relationship and what brought you to therapy.
- You can expect to feel listened to and comfortable talking with your therapist. We want you to feel free to express yourself and talk about what is important to you.
- At the end of the session, we will talk with you about what you hope to accomplish by coming to therapy and discuss a plan to help you reach your goals.