{"id":43079,"date":"2024-04-10T10:30:50","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T14:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=43079"},"modified":"2024-04-10T10:13:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T14:13:19","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-couples-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-couples-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Couples Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GoodTherapyFrom navigating parenthood to coping with work stress, there are a seemingly endless number of challenges couples will have to grapple with over the course of their relationship, and sometimes we need a little extra help to get through the more trying times.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, one <\/span>survey<\/span><\/a> found that about <\/span>70% of respondents <\/span><\/i><\/b>wished they had better information on how to deal with conflicts in their relationships.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, being open to couple\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s counseling demonstrates a relationship where both partners are committed to improving themselves and each other\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lives.<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therapy may be daunting for those who have never been, but it certainly does not have to be. Learn how to find the right therapist for you and your partner and make the most out of your sessions.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>Preparing for Therapy<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Set realistic expectations\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s outline what you can expect and <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> expect out of couples therapy.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Lori Gottlieb, a prominent psychotherapist who is well-versed in both individual and relationship counseling:<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The hardest part of couples therapy is accepting that you will need to improve your response to a problem (how you think about it, feel about it, or what to do about it). Very few people want to focus on improving their response. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s more common to build a strong case for why the other should do the improving,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said.<\/span><\/i>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of why you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re seeking couples counseling, understand that, if done well, such therapy will <\/span>require a change in behaviors and thought patterns for <\/span>both<\/span><\/i> parties<\/span><\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tough <\/span>questions that will likely surface<\/span><\/a> during sessions:<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Decide between in-person versus online therapy<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before committing to a couples therapist, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s important to determine whether you and your partner prefer in-person or online sessions. While most private insurers now cover both methods equally, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s important to double-check with your plan to confirm. Once you consider the financial implications, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll also want to determine what works best for you and your partner. <\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some find in-person therapy to be more personal, as nonverbal cues \u00e2\u20ac\u201c such as body language and mood \u00e2\u20ac\u201c\u00c2\u00a0 can be harder to decipher over a video call, and building trust with a therapist may be easier face-to-face.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the flip side, <\/span>many people prefer online therapy<\/span><\/a> due to its convenience. Finding roughly an hour each week that works for three individuals\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 schedules is not easy and being able to do so from the comfort of your home could increase the likelihood of long-term commitment. You may also find a therapist who is particularly experienced in working with clients with similar backgrounds or concerns as you, and it could be worth it to proceed online if they are not in close proximity.<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite initial concerns, particularly before the pandemic, teletherapy can be just as effective. One <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found that <\/span>74% of couples switching from traditional in-person therapy to online therapy experienced a positive shift<\/span><\/i><\/b>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n