Couples Counseling

When should I seek couples counseling?

Couples counseling helps partners improve their relationship. Unfortunately, couples often don’t seek help until after disagreements escalate, and they’re closer to separation or divorce than feeling motivated to save the relationship.

The best time to schedule couples counseling is before anger and resentment can take root, and your relationship starts spiraling out of control.

Couples counseling can help you manage:

• Partner conflicts
• Communication challenges
• Disagreements over money
• Conflicting parenting styles
• Loss of intimacy
• Problems controlling anger
• Mental or emotional abuse
• Infidelity and loss of trust

Many couples also seek counseling early in their relationship or prior to getting married to lay the groundwork for a solid relationship.

What should I expect during couples counseling?

The licensed therapists at Whole Wellness Counseling use couples counseling methods developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the premier researchers and therapists in the field.

The Gottman Method includes seven principles that help couples develop closeness, deal with conflict productively, and build a life of shared meaning together. Therapists teach couples proven, practical, and effective strategies to teach partners how to work with the small daily moments that hold together any relationship.

Build love maps

Love maps create awareness of your partner by defining what they think and feel and their hopes and values.

Express fondness and admiration

You strengthen your relationship by appreciating and enjoying your partner, while learning to live with differences.

Turn toward one another

Pay attention to and express interest in what your partner says, feels, and does.

Accept influence

Maintain a balance of power by considering your partner’s preferences and being willing to compromise.

Solve problems that are solvable

This requires following the first five principles and adding negotiation skills, tolerance, and the ability to maintain your emotional connection even when disagreeing. You emphasize what benefits both partners rather than the individual.

Manage conflict

Your therapist teaches you to manage conflict, not resolve it.

Create shared meaning

Couples create a strong connection as they go through life supporting one another and building a shared history that gives meaning to their relationship.

What should I expect during couples therapy?

Your Whole Wellness Counseling therapist begins by talking with the couple together and then each partner individually. Couples also complete questionnaires to provide information about their relationship.

During your therapy, your provider uses a structured approach that improves communication skills, increases emotional connection, and develops positive coping strategies

Couples counseling at Whole Wellness Counseling gives you a safe, supportive environment to explore your relationship. Call the office or book an appointment online today if you need couples therapy.