Couples therapy offers a compassionate and structured way for partners to reconnect and strengthen their bond. Whether you are navigating ongoing challenges or looking to deepen an already healthy relationship, meeting with a trained therapist can help you communicate more effectively, understand each other’s needs, and build a stronger foundation for the future. In this guide, Zoe Liston, Practicum Intern Therapist, explores what couples therapy looks like, how the first session works, and what you can expect as you begin this meaningful step toward a healthier connection.
What Is Couples Therapy and How Does It Work?
Couples therapy is meeting with your significant other and a trained therapist in an attempt to come together to improve your relationship. The therapeutic approach with couples helps partners develop their communication abilities while addressing any conflicts that arise, hopefully resulting in improved emotional, physical and sexual relationships. A trained therapist facilitates conversation and skill building while creating a space in which couples can openly explore their relationship and ways to improve it.
What Happens During the First Couples Therapy Session?
The first session allows the couple and the therapist to get to know each other and ensure it is a good fit for a working relationship. The therapist will ask questions about the history of your relationship, any strengths you have, areas of weakness you would like to address, and how the therapist can be of assistance in improving your relationship. Together, the couple and the therapist will develop goals for therapy, however these can always change as time goes on! The initial session is to gather necessary information to begin working in a helpful direction.
What Questions Will the Therapist Ask Us?
- Tell me about the history of your relationship.
- What made you choose now to start couples therapy?
- Have you ever been to therapy before? Are either of you in individual therapy?
- What works well in your relationship? What challenges are you wanting to work through?
In the first session, the therapist is getting to know each partner as well as the relationship as a whole. The more honest you are and the more information you can provide gives the therapist a good indication of where to start. They not only want to know about the challenges of the relationship, but any strengths you may have as well.
How Many Sessions Does Couples Therapy Require?
There is no definitive correct answer for this question. The therapy process can take 12 to 20 sessions to produce meaningful results. The duration of therapy can vary depending on many variables, however your therapist will work with you to determine a meaningful and realistic timeline for your needs as a couple.
What Issues Can Couples Therapy Help With?
Couples therapy can help with communication struggles, trust concerns, major life transitions, infidelity, sex and intimacy challenges, loneliness, and mental health issues that might be affecting the relationship. While couples seek out therapy for many reasons, you do not have to be at a low point in the relationship to start. It can also help prevent many of the issues listed above as well as strengthening an already great relationship. Regardless of what stage your relationship is in, your couples therapist is here to help.
Is Couples Therapy Only for Marriages in Crisis?
No, couples therapy is for all shapes and sizes whether you are married or not. Dating, engaged, common law, or long term partners can all benefit. Being proactive and taking the steps to address problems before they become a crisis is one of the best things you can do for your relationship. Many couples seek out therapy to improve their communication skills and strengthen their connection.
What if my Partner is Hesitant to Attend Couples Therapy?
It is completely normal for someone to be hesitant to start a new experience like couples therapy. Be open with each other about your needs and how you think couples therapy could improve your relationship. Intake sessions are a chance for your therapist to answer any questions or concerns either of you may have surrounding couples therapy or your relationship in general.
Booking an initial session comes with no future commitment, so why not give it a try?
How to Find a Couples Therapist in Edmonton or Calgary?
Insight Psychological offers couples therapy both in person and online in Edmonton, the surrounding areas, and Calgary. When looking for a couples therapist, it is important to find someone trained in relationship work who can guide you through your relationship process. The client-therapist relationship matters, and we are happy to answer any questions to see if we are the right match for you. We also offer a quick and easy matching tool to help you find your best fit.
If you are feeling distant, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, you do not have to figure it out alone. Reach out today to take the first step toward bettering your relationship.