Attending your first couple’s therapy can be a daunting experience. It can seem scary if you don’t know what to expect during your first session. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to experience on your first visit to the therapist’s office.
Assessment of the Situation
First of all, your therapist will want to get to know both partners in the relationship. You will probably answer a few get-to-know-you questions to introduce yourselves and go through the introduction formalities. Your therapist will then want to know what exactly you and your partner are looking to achieve in therapy. You will most likely discuss your therapy goals for the short and long term and discuss your expectations of therapy as clients. Once you’ve been properly introduced, most therapists will begin asking questions to determine how you communicate with one another and with others.
Discussion of Problems
Next, your therapist will probably begin asking questions about your relationship and the major problems you and your partner are experiencing. A therapist is there to provide you and your partner with a safe place for discussion without bias and without judgment. Therapists also act as mediators for discussions to help you and your partner make headway with your problems so you won’t get stuck arguing over something without getting anywhere.
Setting Goals
Once you’ve discussed your main issues with your therapist, he or she will most likely try to set some goals with you and your partner. You will be able to tell your therapist what you are hoping to achieve and the three of you will set up a plan on how to achieve the goals that are important to your relationship. You can tell your therapist any fears or anxieties you have about working toward your goals and he or she can explain the process to you to ease your anxiety. It’s all about working together toward a common goal.
Giving Homework
Most couple’s therapists will assign some sort of homework for you and your partner to work on together at home. This is to keep your therapy working when you aren’t in the therapist’s office and to teach you how to continue using the lessons you’ve learned once your therapy is over. You can report back to your therapist during your next session so he or she can tailor your goals for your next session and discuss any problems the two of you had during the time between sessions.
