What to expect when starting couples counselling for the first time

Talking to a professional therapist for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking. This is where having some foreknowledge about what to anticipate can help. If you are considering a Surrey couples counselling service, here are a few things you can expect during your first session.

Surrey couples counselling service: first-time discussions

• Therapy goals, e.g. better communication, problem-solving, become closer

• Ground rules, e.g. no name-calling, no interrupting, equal time to speak

• Challenges, e.g. parenting, money issues, extended family, loss of trust, divorce

The first time you and your partner meet with a therapist, you’ll discuss a few key things to ensure expectations are in alignment.

Goals

Couples usually come to therapy with a goal in mind. Your therapist will ask what changes you are hoping to achieve. Goals include things like being able to communicate better with your partner; improving feelings of closeness; problem-solving specific challenges; getting past a relationship breakdown; or healing from past hurts.

Ground Rules

A few ground rules help smooth the discussion process and lets each person feel comfortable and respectfully heard. Rules can consist of things like no name-calling, no interrupting, and each partner has equal time to speak.

Challenges

Challenges that bring couples to counselling commonly include issues surrounding parenting, family finances, or problems with extended family members like parents or inlaws. Other issues include breaches of trust in the relationship that need addressing and healing. Trained counsellors have a number of methods available, like EFFT, to help couples focus on and deal with their challenges.

Therapy can also help when a relationship has reached its end, to guide a couple through a deeply difficult and emotional time, especially when there are children involved and a lot at stake.

In Surrey, couples counselling services are an affordable step toward a stronger relationship. Counselling helps people understand their relationship dynamics in a confidential and supportive environment with professional guidance. It gives them the tools necessary to better navigate future issues and times of stress.

Alison Bell’s couple’s therapists have extensive training in emotionally focused couple’s therapy and are devoted to helping couples reclaim their relationship. We are very happy to speak with you and answer any of your questions. Take that first step and email or call 604-372-1545.