About Ellyn Bader. Here are 10 couples therapy tips to get ready for your first session. While not every therapy office may have a similar set up, there are general themes that you may experience in a therapy room near you. Through marriage counseling, you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding and strengthening your relationship or going your separate ways. With couples therapy, most therapists will want to meet with you and your partner together for the first meeting. Some of these worries are only eased once the therapy is in session. From there, some therapists like to schedule individual meetings with each partner to do a more in-depth session about family of origin history and individual concerns, while others prefer to meet with both members of the couple during all sessions. With a bit of effort on your part and a strong relationship with your counselor, counseling can be a successful tool for resolving problems. Ellyn is widely recognized as an expert in couples therapy, and since 2006 she has led innovative online training programs for therapists. Before your first session, your therapist will likely send over some intake paperwork to fill out. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to experience on your first visit to the therapist’s office. Your First Therapy Session . Couples are often uncertain what to expect from the process of couples therapy. They have a lot of questions for you that you'll need to answer truthfully to have the best experience. Consequently there is little accurate information or a frame of reference for what to expect. Research Think about what your goals are and what you both want to achieve. Here’s what you can expect during your first therapy session to help prepare yourself and take away some of the new-to-therapy jitters. The first session (and next few sessions) in couples therapy is very similar to the first session in individual therapy. That being said, knowing what to expect during a couples therapy session can make the process go much smoother. But most therapists aren't going to dive right into the tough questions. We want our clients to make themselves comfortable. If you are getting ready to go into a couples therapy situation, then you are likely wondering what to expect. What to expect during the first session can depend on the therapist. One of the most important factors in therapy is that you and your child feel comfortable with your … Attending your first couple’s therapy can be a daunting experience. Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The first therapy session does not have to be a mystery. 1. Stages of Therapy: Ending the Therapeutic Relationship - - […] more about the previous stages of therapy, check out my posts on the FREE initial consultation, the first session,… Stages of Therapy: The Second Session and Beyond - - […] we’ve completed the free initial consultation and first session, therapy focuses in on your goals and what brings you… Before Your First Marriage Counseling Session. Most people find it uncomfortable to discuss their private affairs in front of a stranger, even if it is a counselor. Therapy What You Can Really Expect From Couple's Therapy ... your partner will come into the first session feeling that the counselor is already biased—not a good ... Myths About Couples Therapy. Couples often arrive believing that the therapist’s job is to “fix” their partner. Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For some, the feelings of anxiety last beyond the first session and may occur before the appointments during the initial phase of therapy or recur at various points in the treatment when addressing critical issues. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. During the first session, you can expect to fill out paperwork, just as you would the first time you go to a new doctor or dentist. What to Expect from your First Couples Therapy Session You’ve been with your partner for a while now and the honeymoon phase seems to have worn out. Paperwork. What To Expect At Your First Session. ... Let's clear them up, and then you'll have a better idea of what to expect from marriage counselling. Many therapists will view the first therapy session as an evaluation period. The main purpose of this session is to get to know you when your partner, to understand why you chose to seek therapy, to understand the problems and challenges in your relationship, the history of your relationship, and to assess what you both want to be different. For your first session, you will need to go together as a couple. Many couples are skeptical about whether therapy will work. Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect. Counseling is not a quick fix; rather it is a process. The goal here is to get to know one another better and to see if you are a good fit. There will be some forms to fill out regarding consent to treatment, therapy policies, brief medical history, and … Investigate the different types of couples therapy and what they involve. They are not sure of what to expect of the therapist or even if the therapist has any expectations of them. 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