Most couples experience a bit of apprehension at first, but there is nothing wrong with that. Many people do not know quite what to expect from their first session and feel some ambivalence or apprehension about beginning the process of counseling. While not every therapy office may have a similar set up, there are general themes that you may experience in a therapy room near you. About Ellyn Bader. But most therapists aren't going to dive right into the tough questions. From there, some therapists like to schedule individual meetings with each partner to do a more in-depth session about family of origin history and individual concerns, while others prefer to meet with both members of the couple during all sessions. Your First Therapy Session . For your first session, you will need to go together as a couple. The main purpose of this session is to get to know you when your partner, to understand why you chose to seek therapy, to understand the problems and challenges in your relationship, the history of your relationship, and to assess what you both want to be different. Ellyn Bader, Ph.D., is Co-Founder & Director of The Couples Institute and creator of The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. With a bit of effort on your part and a strong relationship with your counselor, counseling can be a successful tool for resolving problems. Couples are often uncertain what to expect from the process of couples therapy. With couples therapy, most therapists will want to meet with you and your partner together for the first meeting. Couples therapy, relationship counseling, marriage counseling; whatever name you decide to call it, is never an experience you're likely excited about. “The first step in keeping the sessions focused is to ask the couple what they want to focus on overall, and again [at the outset of] each session.” (Wachtel, page 44) 15. During the first session, you can expect to fill out paperwork, just as you would the first time you go to a new doctor or dentist. Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Most people find it uncomfortable to discuss their private affairs in front of a stranger, even if it is a counselor. 1. Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. We’ve made a list of things you could expect in your first therapy session. Counseling is not a quick fix; rather it is a process. Couples counseling and therapy sessions can be very cathartic, but they can also be tough depending on how bad the problems in your relationship truly are. Clients often tell me that they weren't sure what to expect when coming into counseling for the first time. Watch this video to learn more! One of the most important factors in therapy is that you and your child feel comfortable with your … Research Think about what your goals are and what you both want to achieve. Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, is a type of psychotherapy. We want our clients to make themselves comfortable. Then you need to do some pre-therapy legwork. Knowing what to expect in a first session can help people to feel more relaxed. One of the ways to get the most out of counseling is to be prepared. They are not sure of what to expect of the therapist or even if the therapist has any expectations of them. 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