What to Expect
From Couples Therapy
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Good couples therapy starts with a thorough assessment. In the first four sessions, you and your partner will participate in an assessment using the following structure to clarify relationship problems or challenges, collaborate on treatment goals, and evaluate current fit for couples therapy.
Assessment Phase
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Session 1: The Couple meets with the therapist together.
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Session 2: Partner 1 individual session.
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Session 3: Partner 2 individual session.
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Session 4: Consolidation and feedback.
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At the end of the assessment phase, the therapist will provide recommendations, and if appropriate, the couple can begin treatment.
Treatment Phase
During the treatment phase, all sessions will involve both partners being present and any communication with the therapist will be transparent to both partners. The type of therapy approach may look different depending on presenting problems and shared treatment goals. A typical course of treatment is 8-20 sessions.
Maintenance Phase
Following the treatment phase, couples may wish to schedule periodic check-in sessions to maintain gains and refresh skills.
