If you and your spouse or partner are thinking about going to couples therapy, you may be unsure of whether or not you should go. Part of the problem is that you may be afraid of or at least uncomfortable with the unknown. But couples therapy does not have to be this daunting and mysterious thing. You can go into it knowing, in general, what to expect from the process. 

Expect to Be Asked Not to Interrupt

A part of the process of couples therapy is to allow each person to get their thoughts and feelings about things off of the chest and out in the open. This allows partners to learn more about each other's perspectives and is cathartic to the individual doing the talking. 

As such, your therapist will ask you to listen to your partner without interjecting or interrupting them while they speak. You, too, will be given ample opportunity to express your own thoughts and feelings in the process, just not in the midst of your partner's time. 

Expect to Learn More About Yourself as Well as Your Partner

Going through couples therapy is not just about learning about your partner, you will also learn a great deal about yourself. You will get the opportunity to dive into your past including your childhood and past relationships and learn how they are affecting you now in your present relationship (and in your life in general). 

You will also learn about your own communication style and preferred ways of expressing love and affection. You will get to know yourself on a deep level that will allow you to be more self-aware during conflicts and to take a step back and evaluate your own feelings and behaviors. This is invaluable both in your current romantic relationship and in all types of relationships you have in your life. 

Don't Expect to Not Have to Work at It

Couples therapy sessions are not a cure-all for what is going on in your relationship. You will not spend an hour with a therapist and then magically be the perfect couple. You will need to work at things outside of therapy in order to successfully overcome the issues that sent you to therapy in the first place. There will be homework to do after each session to put into practice what you talked about with the therapist. This is not always easy, but doing the work is worth it if it helps your relationship grow and thrive. 

Knowing more about what to expect from couples therapy should make the process seem less daunting. All that's left to do is schedule your first couples therapy appointment. 

For more information, reach out to a couples therapy professional near you.