Top 3 Truths about Online Counseling for Couples

Top 3 Truths about Online Counseling for Couples 

Relationship challenges are inevitable.

Sooner or later, most couples will come across obstacles to their marital happiness.

While some couples struggle with communication issues or ongoing arguments, others experience infidelity or intimacy problems. Or they feel emotionally disconnected and don’t know how to rekindle closeness. Besides, some life transitions or crises such as moving to another city because of your partner’s new job or your kids leaving for college may trigger relationship anxiety and provoke first marriage breakdown signs.

Relationship problems may be overwhelming. If they last long, relationship issues can severely affect all aspects of your day-to-day life. But then, there is online marriage counseling to help you get your marriage back on track.

Relationship counseling online provides a safe and confidential environment where you can feel heard, supported, and understood while you work on your issues. The best online counseling helps you understand the background of your problems and gain control over changes that happen in your relationship.

To help you understand a bit more about the benefits of online therapy, let’s delve on the top 3 truths about online counseling for couples.

Relationship Counseling Online Works

Online counseling for couples is as effective as traditional couples therapy in my Wake Forest office. Yes, online counseling (both relationship counseling and counseling in general) happens via the web, or telephone. But that absolutely doesn’t mean that online therapy is not effective. Some people find online couples therapy even better than traditional because online counseling is convenient and flexible.

Online counseling gives you access to a larger number of couples therapists, increasing your chances to find a therapist who is a good fit for your relationship issues (as  long as you both live in the same state).

And you can avoid traffic, rushing to the office and then back home. Especially if you can combine both individual and couples counseling together.

Online therapy cost is another bonus of relationship counseling online – it saves you money on commuting and other in-office therapy-related costs.

You Have to Work Just as Hard

The best online counseling is one that helps you change the view of relationship problems, change dysfunctional behavior, help you regain closeness, improve communication, and promote relationship strengths.

However, just as with traditional couples counseling, you have to work hard for your relationship counseling online to be effective. Situations in which online marriage counseling shows the most success include both partners being willing to solve their problems, committed to not missing their online appointments with the counselor and attending sessions regularly. Also, for online couples counseling to be successful, both partners need to have reasonable expectations from therapy and understand that they are responsible for the success or failure of their relationship.

So, if you decide to seek online marriage counseling, you need to have reasonable expectations from it. Don’t expect your counselor to be a ‘marriage fixer’ or ‘miracle worker’ and solve your problems for you or give you some instant-solution.

You and your partner need to be motivated to attend online therapy sessions and participate in exercises that your couples counselor may suggest.

Your therapist may suggest some homework for you and your partner to practice at home. For example, he or she may ask you to practice listening skills at home every day and listen to each other without any interruptions, complaints, or engaging in a blame-game.

There Is No Risk in Trying Relationship Counseling Online

With online counseling for couples, your relationship can only get better. On the other hand, waiting for marriage problems to simply resolve on their own and deciding not to seek help can only make your issues worse.

Be open and honest with your online relationship therapist. Some people find it hard to talk about their problems with the therapist, especially at the beginning of therapy. It is okay if you need some time to gain trust and confidence. We will talk about your doubts and concerns, but remember that I am not there to judge you, but to help you improve your marriage.

Summary

The progress in couples therapy can be measured by a lot of factors. However, the most common sign of the success of your online marriage counseling is how you and your partner feel as individuals and as members of a couple. If you’re rekindling emotional closeness and intimacy, if your communication is improving, and if you're planning the future together, you can be sure that your online couples counseling is working.

I will be delighted to hear your thoughts and answer any additional questions that you may have, so don’t hesitate to give me a call at (703)347 3200 and schedule an appointment online or in my Wake Forest office here.