So, you and your partner have decided to see a couples therapist. Kudos to you both for taking that step! But before you book that first session, it’s a good idea to ask some questions to make sure the therapist is a good fit for you. Think of it as an interview—after all, this person is going to help you navigate some pretty personal stuff. Let's dive into some key questions to ask your potential couples therapist.
1. What’s Your Experience with Couples Therapy?
Start with the basics. You want to know if they have the chops to handle your relationship issues. Ask about their background, training, and how long they've been doing this. It’s like asking a chef if they know how to cook—it just makes sense!
2. What’s Your Approach or Therapy Style?
Therapists have different styles. Some are more direct and will give you homework, while others might take a more laid-back, listening approach. Do they use specific methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or the Gottman Method? Knowing this can help you decide if their style matches what you're looking for.
3. Have You Worked with Couples Like Us Before?
This isn't just about having experience but relevant experience. If you’re dealing with specific issues like infidelity, neurodiversity, or blending families, you’ll want to know if they've handled similar situations. It's like finding a specialist rather than just a general practitioner.
4. What Can We Expect from the Process?
This one’s a biggie. Ask about the general structure of the sessions and what the process looks like. Will there be individual sessions, or is it always together? How long do sessions last? What’s the expected duration of the therapy? This helps set expectations so you’re not left wondering what’s next.
5. How Do You Handle Conflicts in Sessions?
Let’s be real—things can get heated in therapy. It’s important to know how the therapist deals with conflict between partners. Do they intervene? Do they let you work it out? A good therapist should have strategies to keep things productive.
6. What Are Your Fees and Do You Take Insurance?
Money talk isn’t always comfortable, but it's necessary. Ask about the cost per session, any sliding scale fees, and if they accept insurance. This helps avoid any awkward surprises down the road.
7. What’s Your Availability?
You and your partner probably have busy lives, so find out if the therapist’s schedule aligns with yours. Can they offer evening or weekend sessions? How flexible are they if you need to reschedule?
8. How Do You Handle Situations Where One Partner is Reluctant?
Sometimes one partner might be more eager to attend therapy than the other. It’s helpful to know how the therapist deals with situations where one person is reluctant or resistant. Do they have strategies to engage both partners and ensure that everyone feels heard and involved? This can be crucial for making the therapy process effective and balanced.
9. What Are Your Views on [Insert Important Topic Here]?
If there’s a specific issue you’re dealing with—like parenting styles, cultural differences, or even political views—it might be good to know where the therapist stands. You want to make sure they're open-minded and can handle the dynamics of your relationship.
10. How Do We Know If Therapy Is Working?
Finally, it’s good to know what success looks like. Ask how they measure progress and what signs to look out for that indicate the therapy is helping. This helps keep you motivated and ensures you're on the right track.
Find the help that your relationship needs!
Remember, the goal is to find someone you both feel comfortable with and who can help you navigate the rocky parts of your relationship. Don’t be afraid to shop around and ask these questions—one size doesn't fit all.
YEG Family Counselling: Edmonton's Couple Counselling Experts
We are nerdy about attachment and helping our clients find a deeper, safer, long-lasting connection. Like, old people holding hands on a bench kind of attachment.
All of our Couples Therapists are trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is one of two gold-standard therapies for couples. We have therapists who specialize in:
Queer Couples
Neurodivergent Couples
Infidelity
Consentual Non-monogamy and Polyamory
Parenting Struggles and Blended Families
Long-Distance Relationships and Online Couples Therapy
Your relationship is too important. Reach out today!
It's easy to get started. Choose one of the options below!
Fill out a quick and easy online intake
Book a consult or phone intake
Call us at 780-809-0809
Email hello@yegfamilycounselling.com to ask any further questions you have, including the ones above!
#EdmontonCouplesCounselling #YEGfamilycounselling #EdmontonCouplesTherapy #Couplegoals #Queercouplestherapy #NeurodivergentCouples #CouplesTherapy #CouplesCounselling
Kommentare