Q: Do we come in together or separately?
A: Beginning the therapy together gives you both a chance to tell your story. Often the first session will give both of you hope that you can work on the relationship and make a difference.
Q: Will we always meet together?
A: No, after the initial joint session, your therapist may meet with each of you alone. After these first three sessions, you and your therapist will work out a treatment strategy. Your treatment plan might include joint sessions alone or individual sessions as well.
Q: How do we decide whether to do joint or individual sessions?
A: Couple counseling helps to develop:
1. Communication skills
2. Negotiation skills
3. Development of a shared vision together
4. More productive conflict resolution of problems
5. Freedom to make up after upsetting battles
6. Increased comfort in dealing with recurring conflicts
7. Awareness of individual personal areas for growth
B. Individual counseling brings change by focusing on:
1. Personal issues
2. Patterns of expectation
3. Depressed or anxious feelings that create problems in the relationship
4. Self-image issues that interfere with building a strong bond between you
Q. How long will the sessions last?.
A. Couples have their own pace. Some can move into an issue quickly, find some new ways to deal with it and want to go home and practice. Many couples like a longer session which allows them to work through some deeper conflicts and find ways to communicate better. So sessions can be tailored to your needs from 45 minutes to two hours. I recommend that you start the first session at 90 minutes and begin to feel out what is right for you.
Q. How much do the sessions cost?
The fee is $210 for 45 minutes,280 for 60 minutes, $340for 75 minutes, $350 for 90 minutes and $420 for two hours.
Q. Will my insurance cover couple counseling?
A. Many times it will. This depends on the particular policy that your company has with the insurance plans. You can find out by simply calling your provider and ask them if they cover marriage counseling with a licensed marriage and family therapist
Click for other articles
