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  1. What Is Couples Therapy?
  2. Signs You Should Seek Couples Therapy
  3. Modalities Of Treatment
  4. Schedule A Consultation
  5. Telehealth

Even the most loving kinds of relationships can experience hardship at some point. It can be easy to brush off these moments of unrest, but when not addressed they can lead to feelings of resentment that can build over time. At Hess Psychological Services, we offer several tools to assist couples navigating through past and current hurts to help rekindle their connection and build their trust for a promising future.

What Is Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help you and your partner improve your relationship. Similar to one-on-one therapy, couples therapy is a form of talk therapy with three parties in the room: you, your partner, and your therapist. During each session, each party will discuss their needs, interests, and perspectives in a safe, collaborative environment. The aim of couples therapy is to facilitate communication to foster change through collaboration and mediation. It is not uncommon for one partner to be more resistant about counseling than the other. It has been found that both partners play a role in most relationship problems. That is why seeking help in a synergistic and conciliative way is essential. At Hess Psychological Services, our therapists are trained to meet you at your level of readiness to enhance comfort and safety in the change process. 

Signs You Should Seek Couples Therapy

You may know it’s time to seek professional help in the form of couples therapy when you notice the following between you and your partner:

  • Frequent and intense arguments.
  • Lack of effective communication.
  • Emotional withdrawal.
  • Trust issues.
  • Loss of physical intimacy.
  • Financial burdens.
  • One of you has had or considered an affair.
  • Unresolved past issues that keep coming up.
  • You are experiencing parenting difficulties.

Modalities of Treatment

Couples therapy is not just for those who are experiencing issues. Some couples seek out therapy to maintain, strengthen, or build their connection. Couples therapy can also be used as a tool to guide you toward reaching your relationship goals. Whatever the reason is that you and your partner have decided to seek help, Hess Psychological Services offers effective modalities of treatment like attachment-based therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help restore passion, happiness, and effective communication to your relationship.

Schedule a Consultation

If you and your partner are struggling with communication, passion, and establishing a healthy homeostasis, couples therapy can provide the help you have been looking for. At Hess Psychological Services, we are dedicated to helping our clients restore understanding and happiness to their relationships. To schedule a consultation with founder Dr. Heather Hess, please fill out an online contact form.

What common issues do couples address in therapy?

Couples therapy can address a variety of issues, including communication problems, sexual dissatisfaction, conflicts about parenting, infidelity, and financial disagreements.

How can couples therapy improve our relationship?

Couples therapy can help you understand and resolve conflicts, improve communication skills, deepen intimacy, and strengthen your overall relationship.

Is couples therapy only for married couples?

No, couples therapy is beneficial for any couple, regardless of marital status. Its helpful for partners at any stage of their relationship looking to enhance or repair their connection.

What if my partner is not willing to attend therapy?

It can be beneficial to attend therapy even if your partner is unwilling. Individual therapy can improve your understanding of the relationship dynamics and your own behaviors that impact the relationship.

How does Hess Psychology approach infidelity in couples therapy?

At Hess Psychology, we approach infidelity with a non-judgmental, healing-focused perspective. Our therapists help couples navigate the complex emotions following infidelity, rebuild trust, improve communication, and work towards forgiveness if both partners choose to continue the relationship.

Can Hess Psychology help with pre-marital counseling?

Yes, Hess Psychology offers pre-marital counseling to help couples prepare for a strong, healthy marriage. We cover topics such as communication styles, conflict resolution, financial planning, and aligning future goals to set couples up for long-term success.

How does Hess Psychology address sexual intimacy issues in couples therapy?

Hess Psychology approaches sexual intimacy issues with sensitivity and expertise. We help couples explore the root causes of intimacy problems, improve communication about sexual needs and desires, and develop strategies to reconnect physically and emotionally.

Does Hess Psychology offer couples therapy for same-sex relationships?

Absolutely. Hess Psychology is LGBTQ+ affirming and provides couples therapy for all relationship configurations. Our therapists are trained to address the unique challenges that same-sex couples may face, including societal pressures, family acceptance, and navigating legal and social systems.

How can couples therapy at Hess Psychology help with parenting disagreements?

Hess Psychology helps couples navigate parenting disagreements by improving communication, developing shared parenting strategies, and addressing underlying relationship issues that may be contributing to parenting conflicts. We work to create a united front in parenting while respecting individual parenting styles.

How long does a typical couples therapy session last at Hess Psychology?

Couples therapy sessions at Hess Psychology typically last 50-55 minutes, allowing ample time to address relationship concerns and work on communication skills.

Can we expect immediate results from couples therapy?

While some couples may notice improvements quickly, lasting change often requires commitment. Most couples see definite improvements in their relationships after about six sessions.

What if my partner is reluctant to attend couples therapy?

Its common for one partner to be hesitant. At Hess Psychology, we can discuss strategies to encourage participation or explore individual therapy options to start improving your relationship dynamics.

Does Hess Psychology use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in couples counseling?

Yes, Hess Psychology incorporates EFT, a clinically-validated approach that helps reduce conflict and fosters emotional connection between partners.

How often should we attend couples therapy sessions?

Initially, weekly sessions are recommended to build momentum. As progress is made, the frequency may be adjusted based on your specific needs and goals.

What issues can couples therapy help resolve?

Couples therapy addresses conflicts such as communication breakdowns, disconnection, infidelity, financial disagreements, and parenting challenges. It helps couples rebuild trust and strengthen their relationship.

How long does couples therapy typically last?

The duration varies depending on the couple’s needs but often ranges from 8 to 20 sessions. Therapists tailor the process based on progress and specific goals.

Is couples therapy effective for improving communication?

Yes, therapists use techniques like active listening exercises and conflict resolution strategies to enhance communication between partners.

Can couples therapy help with pre-marital concerns?

Absolutely! Pre-marital counseling helps couples discuss expectations, values, and potential challenges before marriage to build a strong foundation.

Do both partners need to attend every session?

While joint sessions are common, therapists may also recommend individual sessions to address personal concerns that impact the relationship.

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Psychologist, PHD, LP at  |  + posts

Hess Psychological Services was founded during COVID when I witnessed an explosion of individuals needing help dealing with the stressors of life. We have since expanded and have a brick-and-mortar location in Comstock Park, Michigan. Our team of therapists is growing and I am honored to work alongside other clinicians with a similar passion for helping others.

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