Couples counseling is often misunderstood, with many myths surrounding it. Such misconceptions may keep couples from seeking the help they need for a relationship.
This article will go through five common myths about couples counseling in Denver and explain therapy can actually make a big difference in your relationship.
What is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling is a type of therapy for two people who have issues in their relationship and want to work through them. A trained therapist guides them in solving conflicts, building trust, and improving their connection.
This form of psychotherapy benefits any point a relationship can be in. Whether the couples are experiencing some problem or simply looking forward to making their bond stronger, couples counseling in Denver focuses on working together to grow and make one’s relationship healthier and happier.
Here are some misconceptions about couples counseling that one must know:
Misconception 1: Couples Therapy is Only for Relationships in Crisis
Probably one of the most prevalent misconceptions about couples counseling in Denver is that it is only for relationships on the verge of collapse. The idea is that going to therapy means failure or an impending breakup, but it is very far from the truth.
It is not just couples counseling that is helpful during crises in relationships; it can be availed at any time. It assists couples to learn effective ways of communication, fighting, and bonding. When problems are tackled early enough, there will be no small problems that grow into major issues.
It must be underlined that through proactive relationship maintenance, couples will develop the proper way to navigate the ups and downs of their relationships before they break apart.
Misconception 2: Counseling is a Quick Fix
Another fallacy is that couples therapy will work like magic and provide an overnight solution to relationship problems. Couples might become frustrated when they expect overnight miracles. In reality, the progress is slow.
Misconception 3: Couple Counseling Takes Only One Side
One of the common beliefs is that couples counseling is biased, favoring one partner over another. Many people fear the therapist will ‘pick sides,’ leaving one of the partners blamed or attacked. This can prevent a couple from getting much-needed help, especially if one of them already feels vulnerable.
However, professional couples therapists train to be impartial and objective. They would only want to enable good and healthy communication between the two parties, facilitating its processes. They create a safe space where both people can share their feelings and points of view without being judged for anything. Couples counseling in Denver focuses on setting up a well-balanced environment where both partners feel equally heard and respected.
Misconception 4: Couples Counseling is Only for Married Couples
This can be attributed to the fact that there is a big portion of the population who believes that couples therapy is suitable for married partners. The misconception may keep an unmarried couple, dating couple, engaged ones, or even in long-term relationships from seeking help.
Couples counseling can benefit all kinds of relationships, whether married or otherwise. It may help dating couples as a way to make their way through the mysteries of being a couple; the engaged couples so that they are better prepared for their marriage, and the long-term partners in order to further solidify their relationship. Couples counseling in Denver has many therapy providers designed to make sure every kind of relationship is provided with professional advice and support.
Misconception 5: Couples Counseling Doesn’t Work
Perhaps the most damaging myth is that couples counseling doesn’t work. Critics like to cite statistical studies that say therapy is a waste of time and money and that relationships can’t be “fixed” with a discussion group.
Conversely, couples counseling tends to enhance relationship satisfaction and communication quality. Indeed, at least one source suggests that this form of therapy tends to give couples far healthier communication patterns and teaches them how to resolve their conflicts in a constructive manner.
Common Types of Couples Therapy
It’s time to start exploring some of the top types of couples therapy available:
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy focuses on the emotional bond of the partners. Throughout the sessions, you and your spouse will be able to identify interaction patterns that lead to emotional distance or disconnection. With the establishment of a safety factor in which you can both talk about feelings, EFT works at strengthening your emotional bond while improving your communication skills.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method focuses on very practical, empirically validated interventions that will help you and your partner to have a closer relationship. A key characteristic of the Gottman Method is that, by teaching effective communication and problem-solving skills, couples are empowered to improve communication, manage conflict, and increase relationship intimacy.
Imago Therapy
Another form of couples counseling is Imago Therapy. This type of therapy works through unconscious factors in partner selection and relating patterns developed within your relationship. Through working with past experiences in the Imago Therapy sessions, you will understand just how they have set you where you are today in regard to the dynamics of your current relationship. You will find yourself growing in recognition of your partner’s needs and feelings and much more in touch with just how to satisfy your own needs within the relationship.
Premarital Counseling
Couples’ therapy is the most basic premarital counseling, which sets a strong foundation for newly-weds’ futures. Much of it will perhaps be talking about expectations from marriage, teaching communication skills, and solving potential areas of conflict to develop a vision for life.
Choosing the Right Therapist
The most important step towards effective couple counseling is to choose the right therapist. Here are some tips for choosing a suitable counselor:
Credentials & Experience
Make sure that the therapist has the necessary qualifications and experience in counseling couples. Look for someone with special training in relationship therapy.
Compatibility
Find a therapist with whom you both feel comfortable. There needs to be good rapport, and both of you should feel understood and respected by the therapist.
Approach and Techniques
Therapists differ in terms of their orientations and techniques applied. Educate yourselves about these, and find a therapeutic approach that will suit your requirements and needs.
Availability
Consider the fact that the therapist’s schedule matches yours or not. Regular sessions are a must to make progress.
Referrals and Reviews
Either get referrals from people whom you trust or read online reviews to assess the reputation of the therapist.
The Bottom Line
There are many myths about couples counseling in Denver that must be dispelled to clearly show how couples therapy can be used to strengthen relationships. Many of these fallacies prevent couples from entering meaningful support that would help them greatly with their partnership.
Also, couple counseling can do wonders for couples who want to strengthen their relationship. Many such misperceptions about therapy and the realistic perception of it will help couples go with an open mind and realistic expectations.
