Q. How long does treatment last?
12-15 sessions is an average length of treatment, although some couples do well with fewer sessions and others need a greater number of visits. Sessions are usually held once weekly to start, transitioning to every other week after some initial progress has been made.
Q. Is it worth coming in to see you if my partner refuses to come?
Yes, individual sessions can be useful to assess the situation and provide guidelines for dealing with the relationship, including ways of encouraging participation by the reluctant partner.
Q. What can I expect from the therapist in a couple’s session?
Marriage counseling requires a therapist to create an atmosphere that is respectful of both parties and of their life and history as a couple. The therapist needs to both listen carefully and be an active presence in the sessions. The session should not be a place where you have your familiar arguments in front of a passive and quiet professional.
Q. Is pre-marital counseling useful?
A number of secular and religiously based pre-marital workshops and courses are available, and these may adequately address the needs of many couples. If there are some specific trouble spots you are struggling with, sessions with a professional couples therapist can be extremely valuable and can help prevent future difficulties.
Q. Can couples in long-term relationships change patterns that have existed for decades?
Yes. Relationships exist in the realm of patterns, cycles, and interpersonal habits. By taking a fresh look at each other’s feelings and needs, these cycles can often be broken and a more satisfying connection created.
Q. Can couples recover from an affair?
Yes. Marriage counseling can help couples repair the damage done by an affair, helping them recover from the betrayal of trust and move toward forgiveness and partnership.
Q. Do you see same-sex couples?
Yes, I have extensive experience in working with same-sex couples.