Studies show that between 70-75% of couples have found relationship counseling to be effective, providing positive results, and contributes to a lowered rate of divorce. Around 50% of married couples have undergone couples counseling as it is recommended for almost every relationship that seems to be struggling with a specific issue, communication, or conflict resolution. For the counseling to be effective, both parties should be entering the sessions with shared goals and the capability of working towards achieving those goals. The most common method used in relationship counseling is emotionally-focused therapy (EFT). EFT is a type of short-term therapy that aims to restore emotional ties between the couple allowing them to open up emotionally and physically to create a healthier and more satisfying relationship moving forward. This method of therapy is recommended for couples who are struggling with feelings of distrust or betrayal and aims to help them move past those feelings to deepen their connection.

Relationship counseling can be catered to suit the specific struggles and concerns for the individual relationship. Relationship counceling can be useful for couples at any stage in their relationship, whether they are on the brink of ending the relationship or in the early stages hoping to develop healthy communication skills. The goal of relationship counseling is not to solve or fix problems in the relationship, but to provide the couple with better conflict resolution skills and a deeper understanding of what their partner may be feeling.

While relationship counseling is often thought of once the relationship is at risk, it is recommended for almost every couple, especially before embarking on any significant changes in the relationship or if there has recently been a shift in the relationship. It is often recommended for those who have reached a point where they seem unsuccessful at moving past a specific issue without the help of a professional to guide the conversation. It is also highly recommended for much less obvious situations. Relationship counseling has been shown to be very effective in helping couples who are struggling with communication, including feeling as if one or both partners are not listening to the other. Its also effective when conversations quickly turn into emotional arguments, are confronted with indifference from one or both partners, or they have an ideological difference. Big life changes that justify a counseling session include marriage as many couples will have at least one session before their wedding to ensure that they are on the same page regarding expectations. Also, if they have recently exited the “honeymoon” phase of the relationship and are recentley learning how to navigate the relationship moving forward. If you believe that relationship counseling would be beneficial, then that is indicative that it is worth giving it a shot.

There are a few tips to consider to ensure that your first couples counseling session is set up for success as the most important being that the time works well for both parties. It may be beneficial to sit down with your partner before the session to figure out 2 to 3 topics that you wish to cover in the session, perhaps including what your current challenges are, or what skills you’re hoping to learn. As well, it is helpful to discuss with your partner before the session to try to approach the counseling with a common goal and managed expectations. Be prepared to be honest with each other and the counselor. Feel free to write down some topics or goals you may have to bring into the session. These ideas or goals will help guide the session and support your counselor in understanding what you need from the session.

Best Fit Counseling & Psychiatry offers telehealth services. Call us for more information, we look forward to serving you! We are licensed in Ann Arbor MI, Pittsfield Charter TWP MI, Ypsilanti MI, Saline MI, Dexter MI, Scio TWP MI, and surrounding areas.