Couples counseling can be an incredibly powerful tool for strengthening a relationship and resolving conflicts. However, it can be difficult to know if counseling is actually helping. Here are some questions to ask yourself to indicate whether or not couples counseling is making a positive difference in your relationship.
Are you seeing improved communication? One of the primary goals of couples counseling is to improve communication between partners. If you find that you and your partner are communicating more effectively and with greater empathy and understanding, this can be a sign that counseling is helping. You may notice that you're having fewer arguments, or that your disagreements are resolving more quickly and with less conflict.
Do you find your partner is empathizing with you and vice-versa? Another positive sign that couples counseling is helping is an increased sense of empathy between partners. If you're able to put yourself in your partner's shoes and understand their perspective more deeply, this can be an indication that counseling is having a positive impact on your relationship.
How would you rate the insight you and your partner have for yourself and one another? Couples counseling can also help partners to gain greater insight into themselves and their relationship. If you find that you're learning more about your own needs, desires, and communication style, and you're better able to identify the underlying causes of your conflicts, this is a sign that counseling is helping.
Are the goals you set out to focus on and meet being met or inching towards? One of the most tangible signs that couples counseling is working is progress toward your goals. If you and your partner have identified specific goals for your relationship (such as improved communication, greater intimacy, or more effective conflict resolution), and you're making measurable progress toward those goals, this is a strong indication that counseling is having a positive impact.
*Keep in mind that it is your therapist's role and your role as the couple to assess if goals are being met. Ask your therapist how they feel about the progress towards your goals and ask yourself as well.*
Are you seeing an increase in satisfaction with your partner? Ultimately, the goal of couples counseling is to improve the overall satisfaction and happiness of both partners. If you're finding that you're feeling more satisfied and fulfilled in your relationship and that you're enjoying spending time with your partner more than you were before, this is a sure sign that counseling is helping.
If you're noticing improvements in these areas, this is a strong indication that counseling is having a positive impact on your relationship. Remember, the success of couples counseling depends on both partners being committed to the process and willing to put in the effort to make meaningful changes.
Are you working with one of our team members? We want to encourage you to ask us about the progress you're making. We are here to collaborate with you and help you meet your goals.
