Couples therapy can be similar to individual therapy, with the difference that both partners are present. Occasionally, the therapist can conduct individual sessions to obtain specific information of each party, thus benefiting the couple's therapy. However, most sessions are conducted together.
The main objectives of couples therapy are to help couples resolve difficulties in the relationship, whether they are problems improve communication and strengthen the relationship. In addition to these objectives, it is important for the couple to learn how to manage conflicts for future occasions.
When should I seek couples counseling?
Some common examples where couples often seek professional help include:
- Poor communication
- Infidelity
- Continuing conflicts
- Two-family union
- Emotional distance
- Sexual problems
- Difficulties in raising children
- Changes in family dynamics
- Financial problems
- Lack of commitment
- Difficulties in decision making
Every couple has different ways of processing conflicts, and couples therapy generally focuses on a current problem. Couples therapy can usually last between 8 and 12 sessions. Occasionally, therapy can be extended and individual sessions may be necessary to conclude the couples therapy. Couples therapy can be a very beneficial tool for the relationship, but it only works if both partners are committed, communicate openly and honestly, practice empathy, work as a team, are open to change, are patient, and persistent in the process of improving and having a healthier and more satisfying relationship.
English 
Spanish