Individuals and couples may see a therapist for many reasons, including depression, anxiety, grief, and conflict resolution. Seeing a therapist for the first time can be an intimidating experience for some, especially if they are new to counseling or have topics they want to discuss that are painful or traumatic. Knowing what to expect ahead of time may help put your mind at ease. Although all therapy experiences will be different, here are a few things to expect from couples counseling.

A Get-To-Know-You Session

The first session or two will be focused on getting to know you and your partner and familiarizing the counselor with what brought you both to counseling in the first place. There will probably be some paperwork involved regarding the policies of the couples therapy Lafayette LA office, as well as legal and ethical issues. Just like you would with a medical doctor, communicate with your therapist if you have any concerns with anything in the paperwork you are signing.

Goal Setting

The amount of time a couple spends in therapy is highly dependent on the couple and the issues they are discussing with the therapist. But regardless of how long you will be working together, it is likely that the therapist will start giving you some goals to work towards after they become familiar with your concerns and the dynamic of you and your partner’s relationship. If you have weekly sessions, you will usually work towards these goals during the week and report back with how it went.

Objective Feedback

It is not the counselor’s job to take a side between you and your partner, as a friend or family member may do. Instead, they will provide objective feedback and tools to help you both manage issues in your relationship.

Expect these three general things if you enter couples counseling.