Counseling & Psychotherapy What can I expect in Couples Therapy? Argyle Institute May 31, 2021 Counseling & Psychotherapy Couples Therapy is a great way for partners to learn to better communicate, problem-solve and set individual and mutual goals for the future. In order to get to know you better both as an individual and as a couple, an MFT counsellor is going to ask a lot of questions. This is most likely the case in the first few sessions. During your couples therapy you will discuss your backgrounds, beliefs, and the issues you are now facing in your marriage. Learning this background information will help your counsellor to get a better idea of how you operate as a couple, what your emotional triggers are and how you could best benefit from the therapy sessions. Sharing your intimate feelings may feel uncomfortable at first for some people. For many, it can be difficult to open up about your deepest secrets or intimate issues and feelings to someone that you do not know. Be prepared for some of your sessions to become highly emotional, while others may go by without you or your partner saying a single word to one another. These are normal reactions to couples therapy and both are acceptable. In your sessions, you may be given tasks, homework, and assignments to work on individually and/or together.Bonding exercises are also sometimes a common step in the healing process. These exercises are chosen by your counsellor. Such tasks and homework assignments include trust falls, writing appreciation lists, performing intimacy activities, such as maintaining eye-contact for an extended period of time or making fun plans for the future. The purpose of these assignments is to promote communication, honesty, trust and positive emotions between partners. When learning what to expect in couples therapy, you’ll quickly find that effective communication skills are a large part of the process. Couples will be encouraged to communicate with one another, often through open-ended questions. These questions will open up healthy discussions and teach couples how to speak more respectfully to each other and to listen more and to open up more and share with one another. Another large part of learning to communicate is being taught how to discuss and resolve differences. Effective problem-solving techniques will often be discussed and homework may be given to help couples put the techniques into practice in the home. Assistance with re-discovering your bond so you can come out of your sessions feeling happier and healthier in your relationship. You will rediscover your partner and strengthen your bond. Your counsellor can help you both set goals for your future. Share This Article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email