Couples counselling typically involves a series of online or in-person sessions with a trained therapist who specializes in helping couples address their relationship issues.
The process generally works as follows:
1. Assessment
The therapist will conduct an initial assessment to understand the issues the couple is facing and their history as a couple. This may involve taking a detailed history of the relationship, as well as conducting individual assessments of each partner.
2. Setting Goals
The therapist will work with the couple to establish specific goals for therapy, such as improving communication, resolving conflicts, or rebuilding trust.
3. Identifying Issues
The therapist will help the couple identify the specific issues that are causing problems in the relationship. This may involve discussing each partner's perspectives and experiences, as well as looking for patterns of behavior or communication that are contributing to the problems.
4. Developing Strategies
Once the issues have been identified, the therapist will work with the couple to develop strategies for resolving them. This may involve teaching communication skills, helping the couple develop new problem-solving strategies, or providing tools for managing conflict.
5. Practice and Feedback
Couples will be encouraged to practice the new skills and strategies outside of therapy sessions and to report back to the therapist on their progress. The therapist will provide feedback and help the couple make adjustments as needed.
6. Evaluation
The therapist will evaluate the couple's progress toward their goals and make adjustments as needed. As the couple makes progress, the therapist may adjust the focus of the therapy to address new issues or challenges.
The number of sessions required will depend on the specific issues the couple is facing and the progress they are making. Some couples may only need a few sessions to address a specific issue, while others may require more extensive therapy to address more complex issues. Ultimately, the goal of couples counselling is to help couples improve their communication, deepen their connection, and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.