You and your partner have known for a while now you need couples therapy. The over and over arguments and ending up in the same frustrating place with no solution has happened so many times, and you can remember how good it feels to enjoy each other’s company, talk through your problems together, and how easy it was to have fun together- you just aren’t sure how to get back to making that happen.
After you both have made this difficult decision, it’s time to find a couples therapist in Carson City NV….and that can be daunting. A Google search reveals a LOT of resources, such as therapists, couples counselors, psychologists, coaching, emotional wellness practitioners, the list goes on and on. You found some local relationship experts but you probably have a ton of questions. How do mental health professionals explain their approach so it really makes sense and you can schedule an appointment with confidence?
What to expect from your first consultation with a Couples Counselor in Carson City NV:
It’s hard enough to talk with someone you don’t know about the struggles you’re having in your relationship, even if that person is an expert. You may not have shared this information with anyone you trust, let alone a new person! And you may want to know more about a couples counselor’s approach and experience before you feel comfortable. That’s where requesting a consultation comes in.
A consultation is a short meeting, either over a scheduled Zoom or phone call to ask your questions and hear more about the expert’s approach to helping you with your unique issues. Some mental health professionals advertise this service on their website, but not all. Most therapists, with their extensive training and experience, are equipped to guide you in making needed relationship changes and can share that information with you, so if they do not advertise that they offer a consultation, you should ask when you make contact with them if they would be willing to do so. Consultations are very helpful and effective for both me and my prospective clients. Clients can ask me questions about what the Emotionally Focused Therapy approach to couples therapy is, which insurance plans I am in network with, how I can help clients bill for out of network benefits, fees, and what my schedule and availability is. If any of these details are not a good fit for couples, then I can give them a referral to a therapist who may be a better fit or I can add them to a newsletter email list so if any of the information changes in my practice, then they will be the first to know.
What to expect in the first session for Couples Counseling Carson City NV:
This is the big day, your first therapy session with your new couples counselor! You could be feeling nervous, excited, relieved, or a combination of all three. A typical first couples session should include finding the office, filling out paperwork (if you have not already done so electronically), discussing “housekeeping” details that may have come up in between your consultation and first appointment (finances, scheduling needs, questions about paperwork), and time spent for your therapist to ask more about your relationship, such as- how you as a couple were first drawn to each other, struggles you have gotten through together, and more about what you are needing help with now. A couple’s therapist typically wants to get to know you AND your relationship, so they might ask to see you individually for that purpose. Lastly, if your couples’ therapist hears anything that may signal you need other forms of help that they cannot offer you but they think is important they can tell you that and help redirect you so that you have the best chance at feeling better fast.
How long does someone work with a Couples Counselor Carson City NV?
You might be wondering how long you and your partner will be in couples therapy. Each couple, and their needs, are different. In the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model, therapists know you have been arguing for a GOOD reason; you want to feel close and safe, but all of us also attempt to protect ourselves from vulnerability, which creates conflict. This is normal! In EFT this is called the negative relating cycle, and it can take a different amount of time for each couple to slow this cycle down. Once couples feel more in control of the negative cycle they can open up more safely with each other and start to talk about what really matters- whether it be emotions, needs, dreams, or goals for the future. In general, EFT therapists plan on eight to twenty sessions with a couple. I know a couple is ready to end therapy when they feel and act in control of the negative relating cycle, are able to be in emotional conversations with each other that are constructive, and are incorporating their new experiences into their everyday life and interactions and feel more equipped to prepare for the future.
You deserve the right Couples Counselor in Carson City, NV
I hope this helps you find the right couples counselor in Carson City, NV. You deserve support from someone who you feel comfortable and secure with. Therapy isn’t just for chatting weekly, it is about getting guidance and support to reach your goals for a healthier and more vibrant experience of your life and relationships. Emotionally Focused Therapy might be right for you if you are struggling to communicate and find new solutions to old problems, feeling like you end up in the same place over and over again with no end in sight.
As a trained Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapist, I help frustrated, scared and lonely couples and parents to communicate peacefully and effectively, and create trusting and deeply bonded relationships. We work together so you can learn how to safely share your most vulnerable needs and feelings, and confidently show up as your best self with your partner. With EFT couples counseling, you can feel hopeful and alive again about your future together.
If you are ready to stop the negative cycle in your relationship, call Monica (775-431-3245) at Restoring Relationships for a FREE 20 minute phone consultation about counseling in Carson City, NV to learn how good a supportive and validating intimate relationship can feel.
Like what we talked about today? Check out these related articles and webpages:
https://www.verywellmind.com/emotionally-focused-therapy-for-distressed-couples-2303813
https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/Emotion-Focused-Therapy-Ch-1-Sample.pdf