Couples counseling seems intimidating for many couples. We get it, the anxiety and pressure of what your partner may think, or even the thought of your friends and family judging your relationship, can be daunting. The thing is, even the strongest couples need therapy. Couples counseling in Tampa is here for you. Let’s talk about it.
Couples counseling makes you and your partner stronger and teaches you both how to be a better partner. This can lead to your relationship becoming stronger and healthier than you ever could have imagined. People often ask, “Well, how do I know if my partner and I even need counseling?” Think about going to the doctor for a check-up. You might not even think anything is wrong with your health, but it still feels good to get it checked to ensure you are the healthiest you can be. Trying couples counseling is the same approach.
Bringing up couples counseling to your partner may feel intimidating, but approach it with love and sincerity. Ask your partner in a private and calm environment. Frame it positively, as a way to make your relationship stronger together. Acknowledge any concerns or feelings they have, and even allow them to sit with the idea for some time. Reassure them that this is out of love and effort for them and your relationship.
Conversation starters to bring up counseling include:
● I’ve been feeling a little bit of disconnection on both of our ends lately. I feel like we could really benefit from trying out couples counseling. What are your thoughts?
● I’ve heard a lot of people mention positive things about couples counseling, and that it really made their relationship even stronger. How would you feel about trying it?
● I feel like we have been stuck in the same patterns for some time now. I think our relationship could possibly benefit from talking to a professional about our struggles together. What do you think about this possibility?
Questions you can ask your partner to understand their feelings regarding counseling include:
● What are your biggest fears regarding counseling?
● How can I be there for you during our first session?
● What would you like me to clarify to you about this process?
If your partner continues to stress their discomfort towards the process, give them the space to hold these feelings. If they’re open to hearing from a first hand experience and you have a close friend or family member who has done couples counseling, allow them to share what they learned and more about the process. Another way to help your partner open up to the process could be watching informational videos about couples counseling together. Ensure this is for both of you to understand and learn more about it together, so they do not feel directly attacked in this process.
What to expect during couples counseling in Tampa?
You should likely expect an initial assessment of relationship history and challenges, followed by goal-setting, skill-building exercises, and potential “homework” to practice new behaviors. Each session may look slightly different as you move through practices and exercises between sessions. At each and every session, expect a therapist who is there to calm and nurture your relationship.
How can couples counseling help my relationship?
Through couples counseling, your relationship gains numerous benefits. Each session works through your personalized goals and relationship patterns. With each session, there is more opportunity to become a stronger couple. Stronger communication between you and your partner takes practice, and couples counseling will allow you to learn what works best for your relationship. Couples counseling can also help rebuild and strengthen trust in your relationship. It will give you and your partner a safe safe which can help improve emotional and physical intimacy. Also, as mentioned previously, couples counseling is not only meant for struggling couples. Couples counseling can benefit relationships that are about to go through major life transitions and relationship changes. This can be things like couples who are expecting, couples struggling with health problems, or couples heading into their retirement.
Ready to begin?
Couples counseling is here to benefit each and every relationship. To begin couples counseling in Tampa, get started here to take our get matched quiz to find the right therapist for you. Ready to jump right in? Click here to contact our team to set up your first appointment.
While you’re here…
If you’re interested in learning about attachment styles and how that can have an impact on your role in relationship, check out our video here!
