What should I know about couples counseling?

Couples counseling can help improve the health and longevity of a relationship. During counseling, couples engage in therapy sessions and work with a trained therapist to address and resolve unproductive issues within their relationship.

Here are a few key items we should all know about couples counseling:

Participating in couples counseling is not a sign of failure. It is a proactive step towards strengthening the relationship. Most every couples faces challenges. Counseling provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to talk through them. Counseling is a tool for growth and self-discovery. It allows individuals to better understand their partners and themselves. 

Communication is the key. Communication is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. Couples counseling places a significant emphasis on improving communication skills. Therapists help couples learn new and effective ways to express their needs, to actively listen, and to constructively work to resolve conflicts. These skills are beneficial during the counseling process and also help contribute to long-term relationship success. 

Identifying and understanding patterns is important. We all often fall into repetitive cycles of behavior, and these behaviors can contribute to conflict within a relationship. Counseling helps individuals gain insight into these patterns. Couples explore their origins and learn how to break free from destructive cycles. Self-awareness is instrumental when it comes to building positive change.

 Participation matters. It is important that all participants approach couples counseling with an open mind and a willingness to actively participate. As is the case with most things in life, success in counseling requires commitment. It is also imperative to be receptive to feedback and embrace changes in order to achieve positive outcomes.

 Be proactive. Couples counseling is not only for relationships in crisis. It can be a preventive measure. Counseling can help couples address minor issues before they escalate. And regular check-ins with a therapist can help maintain the ongoing health and resilience of a relationship.

Kinsey & Associates is Boston’s most trusted team of therapists. We provide effective and compassionate counseling to individuals, couples, and groups in the Boston area, as well as all of Massachusetts via online therapy.