One or both people involved in an intimate relationship may feel as though communication is lacking, their emotional or physical needs are not being met or may feel that there is no longer a real connection with their partner.
Typically, one of the people in a couple will feel the need to get help for their relationship and will act on it first. However, bringing up this topic with the other person is often very difficult, it can provoke feelings of anxiety, and be met with hesitation or even resistance at first. Here are a few tips to help with having that conversation:
- Gently approach the topic of going to therapy
- Speak with love, understanding, and compassion
- Inform them that therapy is not to place blame or pick sides
- Focus on the benefits of therapy
- Give your partner time to consider all options
What should you expect to happen in couples counseling? The purpose of couples counseling is to help partners communicate issues, express their emotions, resolve conflicts, or improve intimacy with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Couples therapy typically includes individual sessions to learn about each person, and meetings together as a couple.
The focus of couples counseling includes improving:
- Communication skills
- Stress management
- Selflessness
- Honesty and Trust
- Forgiveness and Patience
Couples therapy often involves giving homework to partners to work on between sessions. This may involve keeping a log of what they are feeling.
To make couples therapy successful both partners should go in with an open mind, agree to disagree about certain issues, and both should be active participants in the therapy process.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers outpatient counseling. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5316.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.