Couples Therapy - What to Expect
Some couples might feel that, if they love each other enough, they should be able to work through anything, without professional help. While love is a key ingredient in a good relationship, it can be seriously challenged by feelings of not being heard or supported, not having a sense of connectedness, not being able to work through challenges/disagreements effectively, and infidelity and betrayal. This can create frustration and resentment between partners and lead to criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling; the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse of the relationship, according to John Gottman, a noted researcher and theorist of relationships. If you experience these regularly, they have probably caused a rift in your relationship. A couples therapist will help partners recognize these aspects in their relationship and give the couple tools to resolve them. Below is a list of some of the things you might experience in couples therapy, with a therapist who has empathy for