Strengthen Your Relationship with Online Couples Therapy
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to do virtual therapy. It was popularized during the early days of the pandemic but has proven to have staying power.
Online therapy offers clients the kind of flexibility that in-person sessions can’t offer. But how exactly does online couples therapy work?
Choosing a Therapist
When you decide to begin online couples therapy, it’s time to choose a therapist. You can either look for therapists in your state or area or use one of the larger national platforms. Several reputable websites often have a roster of licensed therapists with various specializations, which allows you to choose a therapist who fits your needs.
Whether you contact a therapist through a platform or their personal website, you’ll likely fill out questionnaires before your first session. These assessments give your therapist background on your relationships, the issues you’re working through, and each person’s goals for therapy. Once the therapist gets an initial understanding of your relationship dynamics, they can tailor their therapy sessions.
How Online Sessions Work
Online sessions typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, which is similar to traditional in-person therapy. The frequency of your sessions can vary based on your needs and the therapist’s recommendations, ranging from weekly to bi-weekly or monthly. During therapy sessions, your therapist will facilitate discussions between you and your partner over a video chat platform.
Much like in-person therapy, you’ll address your issues and learn strategies for better communication. You can usually choose whether you want to be sitting right next to your partner, in the same room, or from separate screens in different places in the house. Your therapist may also have suggestions about where the two of you should be when you join the video call.
Key Goals of Couples Therapy
Better Communication
One of the biggest goals of any form of couples therapy is improving communication between partners. Your therapist will use various techniques to help you both express your feelings, actively listen to each other, and understand one another’s perspectives. With online sessions, your therapist can see how you interact within the comfort of your own home, so they may give guidance geared toward what they see. Your therapist or their online platform will often provide tools like worksheets and exercises to reinforce these communication skills between sessions.
More Effective Conflict Resolution
Your therapist will help you deal with conflicts in a constructive way. By identifying the root causes of your disagreements and addressing your underlying issues, you’ll look at arguments as an opportunity for growth. Online therapy can be particularly effective for conflict resolution, as the virtual format can create a safe space where you feel more comfortable sharing and responding to one another.
Building Intimacy
Your therapist should facilitate discussions that bring you closer together. When you meet with a therapist from the comfort of your own home, you’re more likely to feel relaxed and open to deepening the intimacy between you and your partner.
Key Benefits of Online Couples Therapy
Couples can talk with therapists from the comfort of their own home. This provides safety and anonymity if they’re worried about seeking therapy.
Online couples therapy may be more affordable.
Couples don’t need to worry about transportation times and costs.
Online couples therapy is more accessible, especially if someone has mobility issues, disabilities, lives in a rural area, or has a difficult schedule.
Couples can be more consistent with attending therapy sessions since they’re easily accessed.
Are You Ready for Online Couples Therapy?
Whether you’re looking for a relationship tune-up or you’re working through an intense conflict, couples therapy can help. Online couples therapy can be an easier way of getting both partners on board with improving your relationship.
To find out more about how online couples therapy works, please reach out to us.
