Couples Counseling – Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to come to couples counseling and therapy is an indication that you care about your relationship and your significant other, which we believe is a positive sign for the future. Below you will find several frequently asked questions related to couples therapy.

You can also read the following article that explores the question: Does Marriage Counseling Work?

QUESTION	ANSWER
How can my relationship benefit from couples/marriage therapy?	Couples counseling is designed to help strengthen relationships. Benefits can include: Improved communications skills Increased intimacy Greater sexual satisfaction Minimizing fights/arguments Increased trust Healing past wounds Deeper understanding
What are some of the areas that are explored in couples counseling?	There are basic areas that are generally covered in couples counseling, including: Communication styles Relationship patterns Boundaries in relationship Sex and intimacy Past wounds and hurts Monogamy and cheating Family life issues Finances and spending habits Couples patterns of arguing Avoiding “shut downs” Fair fighting and arguing Identification of toxic patterns Areas you identify need focus
How long do sessions last?	Sessions usually last around one hour (60-minutes) however, they may last longer depending upon the issues being explored.Some therapists and clients jointly agree for longer sessions as a way of moving through different topical areas and material. Much depends on your situation and how you and your helping professional decide to proceed. Our goal at Couples Therapy Associates is to make the counseling process as short-term in nature as possible.
How many sessions will we need?	The answer to that question largely depends upon the issues that need to be focused on within your relationship.Experience suggests that in many cases, couples visit with one of our counselors on a short term basis. Some couples only need 4-6 visits. Others required more time with 12-15 visits.Because we do not have a cookie-cutter approach to couples counseling, we can’t say with certainty the specific number of couples counseling visits that are required. Relational change is a process that does not happen instantly. The dynamics that may have brought you to couples therapy in the first place can often be deeply engrained. It takes time to create change and work through roadblocks.
How frequent do we need to come to couples therapy?	In order to maximize the benefits of couples therapy and counseling, our therapists try to see clients on a weekly basis for the first couple of sessions. Once sufficient progress is made, the couples/marriage counselor will likely explore the option of spreading out visits over the course of time.
What about costs and insurance?	Couples therapy and marriage counseling is an investment in your relationship. We recognize that costs however need to be a consideration.Many of our therapists do take Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance. Payment for therapy, including any deductibles and co-pays, must be attended to at the time of the session.Please visit or fees page for a comprehensive overview of fees and costs.
What type of approach do the couples/marriage counselors take?	We believe that using a strength based approached, infused with different counseling modalities and techniques helps to best identify relational hurdles and position themselves for success in the future.Emotional, financial and physical stability are three touch-stones that our couples therapists take to help your relationship move past the gravitational pull of the past. We encourage you to read the following couples therapy tips for more information.