What to expect from Couples Therapy

Based on the latest research in mind/body concepts and relationships we can tell you the following about therapy:

∞ A typical consultation includes one session with both partners, followed by an individual evaluation with each, and then a follow-up with both together again.  There are variations on this such as where one partner would like to meet with the therapist alone first.  There are also intensive evaluations for out of town couples or couples who are in crisis, where we accomplish all of the above on the same day.

∞ On average, successful couple therapy offers considerable relief and improvement within the first 7 to 10 sessions.

∞ Every person, and therefore every couple, is different and has different needs.  We strive to offer a mixture of therapy and education approaches for these various needs.

∞ Therapy works fastest in group settings and adding educational programs such as seminars and workshops will make your therapy much more efficient and more lasting.

∞ We encourage you to make good choices when choosing a couples therapist.  Both of you will need to feel confident that the therapist is listening, skilled, interested and a good match.  Asking for a second opinion or referral to a different therapist is your option and is reasonable when either of you feels uncomfortable.

∞ Unfortunately, many couples drop out of treatment after three or four sessions when they first see some successes.  At such an early stage couples are not yet prepared for the common relapses to old behavior.  Part of the work is to provide skills for the long haul as you go through life’s stresses.

 

Ambivalence

You can expect to be ambivalent about treatment. It is extremely common, when thinking about changing your relationship, to find that you are tempted to put off calling in for appointments and hoping that things just get better on their own.  Unfortunately, research suggests that the average couple waits 6 years before seeking help for an unhappy marriage.  SEE: “AMBIVALENCE ABOUT IMPROVEMENT IN RELATIONSHIPS”.

 

Costs    

At our rates you may assume that an average course of treatment will cost between $1200 and $1700.  Given the enormous physical, financial and emotional benefits of a good relationship this may be the wisest investment you will ever make.  SEE: “BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE AND THERAPY”

 

Insurance   

Marriage/couples counseling is generally not a covered benefit of most insurance companies.  Given the costs described above, and the greater privacy, many people decide to pay for these services themselves rather than attempting to use insurance.

 

Benefits of Marriage & Marriage Therapy | Welcome Letter

Ambivalence about Improvement in Relationships | Payment Options

Couples Therapy