Couples Therapy: Working Through Challenges in Bethesda MD

Though couples therapy is not for everyone in Bethesda, MD, it has certainly been beneficial to many community members. Very few long term relationships do not include bumpy chapters, but a loving relationship deserves an opportunity to survive the challenges. Our trained therapists at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates work with couples on issues causing tension or discord. In addition to the couples therapy we offer in Bethesda, MD, we also provide individual therapy sessions. Some choose to attend both forms of treatment in conjunction with one another to work toward their individual and shared goals. We invite you to contact us at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates to learn more about our therapists and the therapy we offer. 

Identifying Your Goals for Couples Therapy in Bethesda MD 

Our clinicians in Bethesda MD will meet with you and your partner to identify your individual and shared goals for couples therapy. Whether or not you have a clear set of goals, it’s important for both of you to clarify what they are at the onset of therapy. If you believe that only your partner has issues to address, then couples therapy may not be successful for you. Another caution is that those who wish to change their partner’s personality or character will likely find only frustration. For couples therapy to work best, you must be ready to work as a team toward your shared goals when you arrive at our Bethesda MD location. If the two of you are not motivated to work together in a loving and non-judgmental manner, you may not be successful. Your therapist at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates will guide you through the process and provide you with the tools necessary. What you learn in therapy can be of benefit throughout your life.

It’s not uncommon for a couple’s first visit to our Bethesda MD clinic to not have clearly defined goals for couples therapy. You may find it helpful to review the following and decide if the goals below reflect your therapy sessions’ wishes. In addition to any of the below, you may wish to add others.

• Establish a communication structure that enables both of you to feel safe while engaging in therapy and interactions in your daily lives.
• Identify what makes each of you feel safe within the scope of the relationship, and when working on issues together.
• Learn how to actively listen to one another without engaging in hostility or confrontational language/actions.
• Converse in such a way as to allow each partner to feel understood, validated, and accepted.
• Understand each other’s emotional triggers and coping mechanisms. Learn ways to communicate and interact in light of this information.
• Recognize old habits can be detrimental to the health of the relationship and how to change behaviors that might otherwise lead to strife and negativity.

To learn more about the couples therapy we offer at our Bethesda MD office, call us today.

Some Basics About Marriage and Family Therapists

When you find yourself in a situation that requires external help, you might turn to a marriage and family therapist who can help you with couples therapy in Bethesda, MD. Depending on your situation, you might wonder whether you should attend on your own, with your spouse, with your children or with another important person in your life. It’s different for everyone, and most marriage and family therapists are licensed to work with all types of family situations, though the following are some things to keep in mind.

Bethesda, MD Couples Therapy Is Most Effective as a Couple

If you are trying to work on your marriage issues, couples therapy in Bethesda, MD, will generally be most effective when your spouse is present. Understandably, there may be some issues you want to speak with the therapist about in private, but if it involves your relationship with your spouse, he or she should be present. This gives the therapist an accurate view of how you interact and treat each other and a way to be direct with both of you.

In some situations, one spouse may refuse to go. In that case, the other spouse could still attend therapy on their own. There are probably some things he or she can work on to improve the relationship from one side. While it may not be a complete fix, it’s a start. The stubborn spouse may see the improvements and change his or her mind about not attending.

Children Need the Support of Loving Parents

If your child is in therapy for any reason, he or she must have your loving support. Being a parent can be frustrating sometimes, and when the child acts up in a way that you are unable to handle, it could be tempting to give up and hand the child over to the therapist. The problem is without support at home, the child may not work on therapy homework or find the motivation to improve his or her behavior. When a parent lovingly encourages the child to follow the therapist’s instructions, the child may realize things at home aren’t so bad after all.

Some Marriage and Family Therapists Specialize in Select Areas

Though it’s possible your Bethesda, MD couples therapist to licensed to work in all family situations, it’s also possible he or she specializes in one area. For example, one therapist might work exclusively with teenage boys struggling with addiction, while another might work only with couples. Before you settle on a therapist, find out whether he or she specializes so you can get the best help possible.

Contact a Couples Therapist in Bethesda, Maryland Today

Marriage and family therapists are qualified to work with a variety of issues. Whether you have something personal to work on or you need someone to help you work out your marriage issues, take that next step and contact a couples therapist in Bethesda, MD today.

Couples Therapy Questions Answered

Couple therapy Bethesda MD couples rely on may wonder why therapy would be helpful so early in a relationship. After all, shouldn’t a recent marriage allow for at least a short time of marital bliss, free from conflict? It’s critical to be aware that while in some cases, couples may seek counseling to manage conflict or deal with problems, it can also be a way of strengthening the relationship before issues arise. Counseling for newlyweds may feel like a leap, but it doesn’t have to be. Lindsey Hoskins & Associates offers a group of clinicians who can provide a safe space, the patience you need, and the clinical experience necessary to support you and your partner. Have questions? We are here for you to answer the many questions you have.  

What are common reasons that newlyweds pursue couples counseling?

There are a variety of reasons couples may consider counseling together. While in many cases, you may seek counseling for issues that have arisen in the relationship, therapy can also strengthen the relationship. Common reasons to pursue couples counseling include: 

• Finances are one of the most common conflicts that arise in relationships. Often, finances can be challenging to discuss, and a therapist can help develop agreements and find common ground. 
• Address sexual issues and insecurities on neutral ground
• Communication issues can be detrimental to a relationship, and a therapist can help couples to develop positive communication skills.
• Infidelity issues can feel impossible to work through; however, a therapist may help couples heal and rebuild trust.

What should I do if my partner is not interested in therapy?

In some cases, one person in the relationship may not want to pursue couple therapy in Bethesda, Maryland. There are several reasons one person may be opposed to counseling, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Start by trying to understand why your partner doesn’t want to attend counseling with you. They may be feeling uncomfortable discussing the intimate details of your relationship in front of another person they don’t know. In some cases, despite your best efforts, you may be unable to get your partner to attend therapy. If this is the case, it may be in your best interest to pursue treatment independently.  

Can my partner and I see a therapist if we don’t believe we have issues?

Yes- seeking couples therapy early on can not only work in strengthening a relationship, but it can also keep both parties open-minded to resolving issues with the assistance of a therapist throughout the relationship. 

How long does the typical couples therapy session last?

The length of couples therapy sessions can vary depending upon the makeup of the session. For the first few sessions, couples therapy may last longer than average, about 90 minutes. However, many typical couples therapy sessions run for about one hour. 

How long should a couple engage in therapy?

One of the first things couples may ask is how long they will need to engage in couples therapy. The length of time that a couple requires treatment can vary. Healing a relationship and working towards repair can take time. Be aware that the length you and your partner will engage in therapy will rely on you and your partner, your level of commitment, and the work you are willing to do outside of sessions. 

The practitioners at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates will tell you that finding the right clinician for you takes time, and it will be critical to find someone who feels like a match. We provide a vast array of services to help our clients feel supported, heard, and assist with the healing process. For more information about couple therapy in Bethesda, Maryland, contact our offices today.