What is couples & marriage counseling?
Couples therapy and marriage counseling, also known as relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy and marriage counseling include:
- Jealousy
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Opposing values
- Different visions for the future
- Disagreements in parenting
- Lack of trust
- Financial distress
- Sex issues
What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?
The types of therapy used in couples and marriage counseling include:
- The Gottman Method
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)
- Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
- Strength-based therapy
What kind of therapist is best for couples?
At Thriveworks, Couples/marriage therapy is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.
What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?
The Gottman Method of couples therapy is a research-supported approach designed to enhance relationships by bolstering the bond between partners, resolving conflicts, and fostering shared meaning in their relationship through comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions that improve communication, trust, and the overall health of the partnership.
How to tell if I need couples therapy?
If you’re facing persistent relationship problems, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts that are impacting your emotional well-being and happiness, Couples/marriage therapy may be beneficial for you.
Should every couple go to couples therapy?
While marriage and couple’s counseling is typically recommended for couples who are experiencing persistent or severe relationship issues, any relationship can benefit from attending these sessions.
Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?
Marriage and couples counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.
How long does couples & marriage counseling last?
On average, couples attend marriage and couples counseling for 12 weeks. However, couples & marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Need more help deciding?
Couples and Marriage Counseling in Cedar Park, TX
Thriveworks Cedar Park has worked with many couples who are struggling and want to explore what may be next for their relationship. Marriage or couples therapy is not magic potion, but many partners find it helpful as they seek to improve their relationship—whatever form that relationship may take in the future. If your relationship could benefit from professional relationship help, reach out to Thriveworks Cedar Park today to schedule a couples therapy appointment.
Common Relationship Issues
Every relationship is going to hit rocky roads. Whether the couple has been together for a few weeks, a few months, a few years, or even a few decades, it is normal for partners to struggle at times. Acknowledging these challenges and seeking help can often get the relationship back on course. Think about your relationship or marriage for a moment. There are common relationship issues that plague many couples. Can you recognize any of these challenges?
- Differing Goals – Often, each partner or spouse holds very specific expectations for the relationship. Often, partners and spouses have difficulty articulating these expectations. When differing goals go unnamed, then partners are often pulling each other in different directions. This can cause tension.
- Problems with Intimacy – Intimacy is a barometer for how the relationship is doing. When the couple is connecting physically and emotionally, they are usually in a healthy place. When they are not making time for this connection, their relationship may be suffering.
- Distrust – Trust is the foundation of any good relationship, but it can easily be broken. Small actions, like being inconsiderate or irresponsible, can chip away at trust. Big actions, like lying or cheating, can destroy it. Trust can be repaired, but it takes time and changed behavior.
- Communication Difficulties – Communication is so much more than a transfer of information. Really communicating means that partners are sharing with vulnerability and listening to understand. When communication is going well, each partner has a high level of empathy for the other. Many couples struggle with these important skills.
- Disagreements about Family – Family issues can be a hotbed of tension in even the strongest relationships: What role will each partner’s extended family play in the couple’s lives? Where will they live? When/if will they have kids? And the list could go on and on.
Why Go to Couples Therapy?
These are typical issues that couples face, and therapy often gives spouses or partners the opportunity to face the challenge head-on. A few of the benefits that many couples experience in counseling include…
- A neutral place to resolve tension. One moment, spouses can be talking about where to go for dinner, and the next moment, they can be calling each other lazy and irresponsible. This is called escalation. Most couples do it, but it is not healthy or helpful. Marriage counseling is often a place where tension is de-escalated so that the primary problem can be focused upon and solved.
- Setting priorities for change. Some changes will help a couple more than others. Some adjustments need to be made now. Others can wait. couples therapy is often a place to set those priorities.
- Bringing toxic patterns to a couple’s attention. Relationship expert, Dr. John Gottman has identified four patterns that are often toxic to a couple: contempt, stonewalling, criticism, and defensiveness. Gone unchecked, these toxic behaviors can end a marriage or long-term relationship. But when these patterns are identified and changed, couples often flourish.
Scheduling at Thriveworks Cedar Park for Marriage and Couples Counseling
Are you in your partner struggling? If so, you are not alone. Every marriage goes through difficult seasons. Consider reaching out for help. Thriveworks Cedar Park has appointments for marriage and couples therapy available. When you call our office, you may have your first appointment within the week. We also accept many different insurance plans. Let’s work together.
