Couples counseling is a tried-and-true avenue for couples to work out difficulties in their relationship and build healthy habits and communication skills. Despite all the couples it's helped, it still gets a bad rap as hoaky or a last-ditch effort to save a relationship from breakup. More than anything, couples counseling is often misunderstood.
Unfortunately, the negativity associated with couples counseling can deter couples from getting the help they need and deserve. Let's debunk three common myths about couples counseling to clear the air once and for all.
1. Couples Counseling is Only for Married Couples.
One of the most common myths about couples counseling is that it's a form of therapy that is only for married couples. In reality, couples counseling can be extremely beneficial, whether you're dating, engaged, in a domestic partnership, or married. No matter what stage you are in your relationship or who you love, therapists have background, education, and training to help you and your partner in any step of your journey.
2. Couples Counseling is Only for Couples Struggling or Having Problems.
Another common myth associated with couples counseling is that it's only meant for couples who are having severe issues in their relationship. Many people think of couples counseling as the final step in saving their marriage before it reaches divorce. While couples counseling can save marriages, it doesn't have to be a last-ditch effort.
This form of therapy can be good for partners in a relationship. This includes any stage of the journey they're at together. In fact, couples counseling can help you learn healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and spot problematic areas in your relationship before they blow up. Waiting for an issue to arise before attending couples counseling would cause you to miss all the benefits you could see in your relationship from earlier intervention.
3. Couples Counseling Takes Too Long to See Any Results.
Another common myth and the reason many couples decide not to attend couples counseling is the amount of time it consumes. Many couples hesitate to start couples therapy out of fear of it taking too long. You may not see results overnight, but it won't take long to see the positive changes in your relationship. While there isn't a specific timeframe you can count on to see results because every relationship is different, you'll be given tools to implement in your relationship quickly.
The average amount of time a couple spends in therapy is six months or 12-25 sessions. Couples counseling takes time, work, and effort from both individuals within the relationship to work effectively. If both partners are actively working on themselves and toward the betterment of the relationship, changes will happen sooner. Between counseling sessions and possible homework assignments, the results you see from your hard work will benefit you for years to come.
How to Get Started
Don't let all of these myths be the reason that you and your partner avoid couples counseling. Couple counseling or therapy can be a great resource for you and your partner — no matter what stage of your relationship or how positive or challenging it may be. Couples counseling can be extremely beneficial to you and your partner, as well as your relationship.
If you and your partner are interested in learning more about attending couples counseling, we're here for you. Together, we can work to debunk and change these common myths and help encourage other couples to give couples counseling a try. Reach out to us today to learn more and to get started with couples therapy.