Going through a rough patch in your relationship with your partner or spouse can make you want to throw in the towel. If your relationship isn't working anymore but you're not ready to call it quits, you might want to consider going to couples therapy. With therapy, you and your partner can investigate the problems that are plaguing your relationship. One thing to understand about couple's therapy is that it can only be as successful as you want it to be. In other words, you have to want it to work, or it probably won't. Be prepared to get the most out of therapy by following these simple steps.
Be Honest And Accept Honesty
Don't enter therapy with the intention of holding things back. Therapy is the time to be brutally honest with your partner. Your relationship isn't going to heal if you're holding back the truth from your partner. In return, be willing to accept the truth from your partner. In order for couple's therapy to be effective, both you and your partner have to give and receive honesty.
Don't Expect Things To Be Fixed Immediately
You're not going to feel better immediately. In fact, you and your partner might feel worse before things start getting better between the two of you. Issues are going to be exposed, and feelings may be raw for a while. Once you're able to discuss those issues, and deal with the emotions that you're both experiencing, you'll be able to begin the healing process.
Put A Limit To The Therapy
It can be easy to postpone changes if you think that therapy is going to go on indefinitely. Before you and your partner begin therapy, agree to a time limit. For instance, plan on being in therapy for six months. This will provide both of you with a deadline to make the changes that need to be made. At the end of the six months, you can sit down and evaluate your growth. You may decide to extend therapy, or you may decide that you've had enough.
Expect To Make Lifelong Changes
Don't expect all of your work to be done inside the counselor's office. In fact, most of the work you'll have to do will take place outside of the office. Be prepared to make lifelong changes that will benefit you and your partner.
Couples therapy with a therapist like Carol Vinson PhD can help heal the problems that you're facing in your relationship. These steps can help you get the most out of your counseling sessions.
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