This month at Modern Therapy and Wellness, we are doing some myth busting.
Here are some common couples therapy myths.
1. Myth: Couples therapy is a last resort
Reality: Couples therapy can be useful at any time. While it’s true that many people reach out for therapy to navigate conflict, couples also come to therapy for premarital counseling, relationship growth, to boost connection, or to navigate parenting or life transitions. Many healthy couples utilize couples therapy as preventative care or maintenance, as a safe space to check in with each other on life’s many challenges. Some choose a couple’s intensive session at our office in New Orleans, as a way to reconnect especially if their schedules make weekly sessions more difficult. The reality is that life is stressful. Modern couples are managing so many things. In our experience, therapy is best when sought early before negativity or patterns deepen.
2. Myth: Therapists will take sides
I often say to my clients: Your relationship is my client. While most couples’ therapists are trained to be neutral, our therapists are trained to be direct. This means that we will give feedback that we feel is in the best interest of your relationship. We are on the side of your relationship. Afterall, that is what you have hired us for.
3. Myth: We dwell on the past
Our approach with couples therapy is to be in the here and now. We do a thorough assessment to understand the needs of the couple. We discuss the past as a way to understand the history of the relationship, as well as any stressors, losses, or traumas that have occurred. We then take this information to develop a plan for the couple moving forward. We explore the past to understand the impact and to help the couple to show up differently in the present.
4. Myth: The therapist fixes the issues
The therapist guides, supports, and lovingly confronts. The couple does the work and makes the changes.
5. Myth: It’s a sign of weakness
Relationships require care at different times in our lives. Choosing shows a deep commitment and a willingness to work on things. Just like smart leaders work with mentors, loving couples work with therapists.
Modern Therapy and Wellness is a group therapy practice in Mid City New Orleans. We provide individual and couple’s therapy in New Orleans and also virtually anywhere in Louisiana. We have therapists who specialize in couples, grief, substance use and working with the LGBTQ + community. Email us for a free consultation: info@moderntherapyandwellness.com