Everything You Need to Know About Couples Therapy

Over the years, couples therapy has become increasingly popular across the US. Partners are prioritizing their relationship and investing time and energy into strengthening it. However, many couples are skeptical about taking the big step.

If you’ve been considering scheduling a session with an experienced couples therapist but haven’t been feeling sure about it, we recommend exploring couples therapy in detail. As you gain more insight into the process, you’ll feel more confident about starting couples therapy. In this blog, we’ll walk you through three core facts about couples therapy. Continue reading.

1. There’s Complete Confidentiality

Many couples feel hesitant about starting couples therapy because they worry that personal details about their relationship could potentially “get out.” It’s important to note that couples therapy, or any therapy for that matter, is 100% confidential.

If a therapist discloses confidential patient information, their practicing license can be revoked. There are serious repercussions for leaking information, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Couples are encouraged to be open, honest, and transparent during therapy sessions. Open up about what you feel is lacking in your relationship. Stronger communication will help your partner understand your needs better. As a result, they’ll be able to take positive action accordingly.

2. Your Partner Is Encouraged to Meet You Halfway

Therapy sessions are based on mutual love, respect, and empathy. Partners often worry that their therapist will “pick a side” and let their biases affect the direction of the session. This is never the case. In fact, both partners are encouraged to meet each other halfway.

Couples therapists understand the importance and value of mutuality. If one partner isn’t reciprocating the other partner’s time or energy, the relationship is deeply imbalanced. Ultimately, restoring this balance is extremely important for both partners to feel valued and accepted in the relationship. As you attend therapy, make sure you feel confident in your therapist’s capabilities to foster reciprocity.

3.Your Needs Are Respected and Incorporated Into the Sessions

As stated earlier, couples therapy isn’t just for one partner; it’s for both partners. While your partner’s needs will be respected and incorporated into the sessions, yours will be valued just as much. An experienced, licensed couples therapist will carefully ensure that the sessions don’t get one-sided.

Ultimately, strengthening the relationship is extremely important. However, it shouldn’t be done in a way that one partner ends up feeling like their thoughts aren’t respected and valued. As you step away from each session, you’ll feel like you’re covering more ground, not taking steps back. This is ultimately the therapist’s responsibility.

You and your partner will be encouraged to be open, honest, and empathetic. However, you will not shoulder the responsibility of steering the conversation in the right direction. Your therapist will take on that task and execute it in a way that both partners feel respected, heard, and valued.

If you’re looking for online couples therapy in San Bernardino, California, we can help. At Serene Minds Counseling Services, we offer couples counseling to help you and your partner achieve a healthier and stronger bond.

We also provide individual counseling and family therapy services across Southern California. Schedule an appointment to get started.