Frequently asked questions

• When should couples consider therapy?

  Couples therapy isn't just for relationships in distress. Common signs that you might benefit from seeing a therapist include recurring conflicts without resolution, poor communication, feelings of distance or dissatisfaction, and significant life stressors like infidelity or financial strain. However, couples also seek therapy to strengthen their relationship, learn new skills for healthy conflict, or prepare for life changes together. Essentially, anytime you wish to improve your connection, communication, or handle a difficult decision together, couples therapy can be beneficial.

• Can couples therapy potentially make things worse with couples therapy?

  While some couples may fear that therapy could exacerbate their issues, this concern usually stems from the discomfort of having difficult but necessary conversations. An ineffective therapist or approach might sometimes lead to a negative experience, but in many cases, therapy challenges couples to be vulnerable in unfamiliar ways, which can be misconstrued as worsening the relationship. However, this process can be healing and beneficial in the long run. It's important to find a well-trained, licensed therapist, and remember that, for some couples, parting ways may ultimately be the healthiest outcome, representing a form of success in understanding what's best for both individuals.

• What if one partner is more committed to therapy than the other?

  It's not uncommon for one partner to be more enthusiastic about couples therapy than the other. However, therapy can still be beneficial if both partners are willing to attend sessions and try to engage with the process. Therapists are skilled at working with varying levels of engagement and can help motivate the less interested partner by highlighting the potential benefits for the relationship and addressing any fears or misconceptions about therapy. Over time, as the couple begins to experience improvements in their relationship, both partners often become more invested in the therapy process.