Your therapist will likely ask questions about your background , your family , your mental health history , your current problems or concerns and the coping strategies you already have in place . Because you ’ ll be in the driver ’ s seat , you can decide what your comfort level is with the therapist , how much trust you ’ re willing to invest and how deep you want to go with these questions . You ’ ll be free to explore your life issues at whatever pace you ’ re comfortable with .
If you start to feel overwhelmed , you can slow things down , talk about lighter topics , and plan strategies for change or for coping with what you can ’ t change . You may want to talk about difficult emotions , challenging
relationships , hard decisions , how to move beyond your mistakes , overcome an addiction and face any trauma that you have experienced .
When you have a therapist you respect and trust and who will listen to your story with compassion and your best interests in mind , the possibilities are endless .
There are many times when it could be helpful or necessary for you and your partner to seek out a good marriage therapist . Whatever you do , don ’ t wait until you are about to hit the divorce courts . You wouldn ’ t ignore your car ’ s maintenance needs and then take it into the shop just as it ’ s about to expire .
The best time to make the choice for couples counseling is when you ’ re having trouble getting past negative communication patterns and are rehashing the same argument for the twentieth time . Early intervention is wise and prevents resentment and hurt from years of struggling . Difficulties can range from unhealthy boundaries with in-laws , mismanagement of emotions , intimacy difficulties , infidelity , infertility , pregnancy loss , parenting styles , rebelling teens , adult children relationships and much more .
Some people fear that their partner will throw them under the bus in front of the therapist . But a good therapist will help a couple see the different aspects of the problem more clearly and help each partner take responsibility for what they bring to the relationship . The goal is for you and your spouse to learn new ways of relating that will bring love back to your home .
Therapy ends whenever you want it to . However , there are some guidelines for what might be good timing for this decision .
Do you feel that your goals have been met ? Does your family agree that you are doing better ?
Does your therapist agree that you are in a much better place ?
Do you feel you need a specialized therapist for the next part of your therapy journey , such as couples therapy or family therapy ?
I ’ ve had countless clients say , “ I wish I had done this sooner .” That home renovation can wait until you have the time and money for it . It ’ s your mind and relationship renovation that can ’ t wait . Have the courage , make the time and find the money for it . Even a few sessions can help you gain some new insights to make your life easier .
You and your family will be happier for it .
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