Couples Counseling in Traverse City - Improving Relationships

Understanding Couples Counseling in Traverse City

Relationships can be complicated. Even couples that seem perfectly happy on the outside may be privately facing issues that threaten the health of their partnership. When conflicts arise, many couples find themselves unequipped to properly communicate their feelings and needs in a constructive way.

This is where couples counseling can help. By meeting with a licensed therapist trained in marriage and family therapy, couples can get to the root of their problems and learn techniques to foster greater intimacy and connection.

Common Reasons Couples Seek Counseling in Traverse City

There are many reasons why couples may decide to enter counseling. Some of the most common relationship problems that lead couples to seek professional guidance include:

• Lack of communication
• Intimacy issues
• Conflicting priorities
• Financial stress
• Parenting disagreements
• Infidelity
• Loss of connection
• Unresolved anger or resentment

The decision to pursue counseling is a brave one that demonstrates a couple's commitment to improving their partnership. Even long-time couples can sometimes get stuck in repetitive patterns that lead to dysfunction. A skilled therapist can intervene and get a couple back on track.

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

The couples counseling process is centered around open and honest communication between partners. Alongside a trained professional, couples learn to express their feelings, needs, concerns and desires in a healthy, productive way.

Counseling sessions typically focus on both the past and present. Understanding the roots of current conflicts often involves discussing a couple's history and longstanding behavioral patterns. Once problems are properly identified, therapists can offer new tools to break detrimental cycles.

In addition to talk therapy techniques, couples counselors may utilize other methods as well. Roleplaying exercises can help partners see situations from the other's perspective. Communication skill building is another common approach.

Finding the Right Couples Counselor

It's important couples take the time to find the right counselor to meet their needs. The most effective therapists have strong listening and communication abilities themselves. They also maintain impartiality and don't take sides. The right fit can lead to breakthroughs, while the wrong fit often ends counseling prematurely.

When researching counselors, here are some helpful questions for couples to consider:

• What is your background and experience with couples counseling?
• What therapeutic approaches do you use?
• How do you handle confidentiality and safety issues in sessions?
• How long are your average counseling relationships?
• How much do your services cost?
• Do you accept insurance?

Top Couples Counselors in Traverse City

Traverse City has many skilled couples counselors ready to help couples strengthen their partnerships. Three highly-rated practices known for their marriage counseling expertise are highlighted below.

Northern Michigan Counseling

Northern Michigan Counseling provides compassionate therapy to couples throughout the Traverse City area. Their team of licensed clinicians specializes in Gottman Method couples therapy, an evidence-based approach centered on improving friendship and intimacy between partners.

Standard couples counseling sessions run 90 minutes to allow adequate time for processing emotions triggered in meetings. The practice's holistic outlook also informs treatment plans that attend to clients' physical health and personal well-being.

Traverse Bay Family Therapy

Traverse Bay Family Therapy offers a range of services to support healthy relationships for individuals, couples and families. Their couples-focused counseling adapts to meet each partnership's unique needs and challenges.

In addition to private therapy, the practice runs couples workshops and retreats. These intensive experiences allow partners to focus completely on their relationship without everyday distractions. Multi-day programs teach science-based techniques proven to deepen intimacy and connection.

Relevant Therapy

Relevant Therapy provides couples and marriage counseling that integrates scripture and theology alongside psychology. Their faith-based techniques aim to heal relationships as well as bring partners into closer relationship with God.

The practice's lead counselor, Mary Lindberg MA LMFT, brings decades of experience working with couples. Sessions invite openness and vulnerability before God, with practical exercises to forgive past wounds and foster mutual understanding between partners.

Give Couples Counseling a Try

At the first signs of struggle, many couples put off counseling out of fear or shame. However, allowing issues to compound often makes solving them more difficult down the road. Even happy couples can benefit from therapy to strengthen communication skills and prevent future problems.

By investing in couples counseling when problems arise, partners demonstrate their commitment to one another. There is no need to navigate relationship challenges alone when experienced professionals stand ready to help.

FAQs

Should we see a couples counselor even if only one of us thinks we need help?

Yes. Couples counseling can only be successful if both partners are committed to the process, but it's very common that one partner realizes the need for help before the other. A skilled counselor is trained to engage the more reluctant partner and help both see the value of counseling.

Is what I share in couples counseling confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is crucial to creating a safe space for couples to share. However, therapists have legal exceptions for safety, such as threats to harm oneself or one's partner. But in general sessions are private and not shared elsewhere unless both partners consent.

How much does couples counseling cost in Traverse City?

Costs vary by provider, but expect average session rates of $100 to $150. Many counselors work with insurance companies or offer sliding payment scales to provide affordable care.

How long does the couples counseling process take?

Every couple's needs are different, so there's no set timeline. Many attend sessions weekly for a period of 2-4 months to make good initial progress. Longstanding issues may require longer term counseling of 6 months or more.

What results can couples expect from counseling?

While specific outcomes vary, in general couples can expect to communicate more effectively, feel closer and more connected to their partner, resolve lingering conflicts, revive intimacy and romance, and just be happier in the relationship after counseling.