If you and your significant other are experiencing relationship woes, you may be considering couples therapy. This type of counseling can help you and your partner learn more about each other and how to strengthen your relationship. For this mental health treatment to be successful, you have to go in with the right attitude. Here are the do’s and don’ts of approaching couples therapy.
Do:
Enter with an open mind.
No matter how angry or frustrated you are with your significant other, it’s essential to attend couples therapy with an open mind. Approach each session with a positive attitude and be willing to hear each other out. If you have a negative outlook and don’t take your therapist’s suggestions seriously, you will be less likely to have a successful outcome.
Drop your defenses.
If you and your significant other are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, you may get more defensive to protect your feelings. If you don’t drop your defenses, you may have trouble moving forward and improving your relationship.
Don’t:
Have unrealistic expectations.
Don’t expect to solve all your relationship issues in one counseling session. Working through relationship problems takes time, and you may have to attend numerous sessions before you see progress. Commit to regular sessions and be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Wait for your partner to change.
Instead of waiting for your significant other to make the necessary changes, take the first step. If you make visible efforts to improve your relationship, your partner will see that you’re taking therapy seriously and may follow in your footsteps.
