Relationships develop through different stages throughout the years, each with their own challenges. Working together through those challenges can strengthen the relationship as well as support individuals’ growth.
Seeking therapy can have a stigma attached due to misconceptions. Some people believe that seeking couples counseling is only for major issues as infidelity or when at the verge of divorce. However, couples therapy can be effective when adjusting to the various stages of the relationship and life events as before getting married, and having children.
You will work with an experienced therapist who will help you address the big and small issues that affect the relationship while re-establishing the bond that once existed. In some cases, individual therapy is also recommended to address personal issues that might be affecting your relationship.
What can affect our relationship?
Many factors can influence how the relationship develops. Here are some of them:
- children and differences in child-rearing
- finances and differences in handling money
- work stress and dissatisfaction
- extended family
- lack of communication or no communication skills
- inability to resolve conflict
- bringing unresolved issues from the past.
Many times, couples seek therapy when they have already decided to end the relationship. In these cases, couples therapy can help reduce possible conflict during and after separation. In many cases however, therapy can help repair the relationship, providing with tools to reduce conflict, power struggles, and other issues that lead to marital discord. Many times, learning how to better communicate can make a great difference in the relationship; in other cases, more in-dept psychotherapy can be beneficial.
What to expect from couples therapy?
Different from individual therapy, the client in this case is “the couple”, both partners. Do not expect the therapist to be on either side. The couple will develop the goals for therapy during the first couple of sessions, and with the support of the therapist. Excluding abusive relationships, partners need to understand that they are both capable of making changes to improve the relationship. Taking responsibly for own faults and weakness alone can make a great difference in reconnecting with your partner.
Do you help only heterosexual couples?
We are culturally and diversity sensitive, thus we help all type of relationships. We understand the additional factors that affect the LGBT community and we are here to support you.
Can you help when there is abuse involved?
We recommend individuals who are victims of domestic violence, to come alone for an assessment first. Remember that violence can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and financial. If you feel unsafe please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline of your area.
Florida domestic violence hotline is 1-800-500-1119
I’m getting married, how couples therapy will help us?
People have unrealistic expectations about marriage and relationships and so when reality sets in, individuals are unaware of skills to make the relationship work. Taking a premarital course or attending a few sessions of couples counseling prior to the wedding, can clear your doubts about your relationship, help you identify any weakness that could become a bigger problem, and give you the tools to ensure you and your partner enjoy a healthy, satisfying and successful marriage. Do not wait until the differences and problems become unbearable for both of you.
Ready for an appointment? Call us at 786-886-4631 or email us at altiscounseling@gmail.com
