Ways to Make Couples Therapy Effective
The fact that almost half of all marriages end up in divorce should motivate you to do something about ours before it is too late. Therapy specific for relationships, is a place to understand where you both are, point out the negative contributions you each make, and learn to communicate better with each other. Not all processes will make things work, but it is worth a try. Those who opt to go separate ways leave with some important lessons. If you wish to give this therapy a try, here are some ways you can prepare for success.
You need to come out with a positive attitude. You need to shun the thoughts that you are doing something weird or wrong. You will find other couples also have problems, such as division of chores, sex and discussing it, as well as these problems. Yours should not make you feel embarrassed. Always have an open mind. Be considerate also. No one wants to go to therapy with a partner who shows up late, sulking, and undermining the process.
Aim to hire the services of a well-trained therapist. You should only settle on one who knows how to do their job well. See to it that you get accurate details of their training and certification, experience and references. Choose them based on their specialty, such as sex, trauma, trust issues, same-sex relationships, and others.
It is important to remain honest about how you feel. A lack of honesty in therapy defeats the purpose. While it is hard to open up that much, the therapist will provide a safe space and play the mediator. Get to express yourself in a calm and comprehensive manner.
You need to prepare to have your perspectives on the relationship changed. We tend to act based on our views and opinions about ourselves, our partners and the relationship. When you understand the relationship better, you also need to change some of those beliefs to help you improve the relationship.
You should also accept to change your behavior. Your intention for therapy may have been to get your partner to change. If you do that, you will not succeed. You can only do something about your ways. Only they can change themselves. Each person attending to their behavior is how the relationship gets better.
Aim to address not only the problems. It is important to make sure you have addressed all the bad things. But do not ignore what works well in the relationship. You need to understand your strengths in the relationship. Such positives are ideal for building a stronger relationship.
Keep such open communication going, not just for the therapy sessions, but in life. When you apply those communication skills in life, you will see positive changes.
Couples therapy is an effective tool when applied well. You can check out this site, to read more about it.