If you and your partner are considering tying the knot, then solidifying your connection before walking down the aisle is crucial.
Online couples therapy offers a modern solution for strengthening the bonds you’ve built before the big day arrives – but how effective is it really? Here’s a closer look at what you need to know, and how to make the most out of this experience.
It’s Good to Talk, it’s Better to Listen
Couples therapy is about having your say, but also hearing what your partner is bringing to the table. A therapist is the person who can facilitate this dialogue successfully, letting you listen to each other rather than just waiting for your next opportunity to speak.
And if you can propose long-distance, why not get therapy the same way? By breaking geographical barriers, it allows couples to engage in meaningful conversations anywhere, anytime.
There are a few things that couples can focus on in order to be better listeners, whether in preparation for therapy sessions or for general relationship harmony:
- Make eye contact when the other person is talking – as this is both a positive sign that you’re listening, and an act that engages your focus as well
- Use body language to convey understanding and offer encouragement – a nod and a smile invites your partner to keep going, even when tricky subjects are discussed
- Absorb info you’ve heard by paraphrasing it in response – this little act of echoing things said in couples therapy online will cement key ideas and show recognition as well
Talking Conflict Resolution Head-On
Conflict is inevitable in even the strongest marriage, and online couples therapy equips partners with the right tools for resolving issues and setting expectations from the comfort of their own home. These techniques can include:
- Being direct about what you think and how you feel – bottling things up is bad, but so is expressing this in an unkind way, so work with a therapist on this form of honest yet gentle expression of need
- Avoiding blame is a must, no matter how upset you might be – make sure to couch statements from the perspective of how situations have made you feel, rather than placing guilt in the lap of your partner
- Assuming the best, rather than the worst, of your partner’s intentions is paramount – it’s not about giving them the benefit of the doubt, but recognizing that they likely meant well, even if the outcome of their words or actions was undesirable
Finding the Right Online Psychiatrist
Couples need to click with the therapists they work with, especially if they’re interacting remotely. That’s where the expertise of online psychiatrists at Everyday Health comes into play, as seasoned pros who can offer insights into how mental health may influence your partnership are easy to find on this platform.
In order to ensure that any prospective therapist is the right fit, here are some questions to ask them:
- How will the sessions work? This will help you understand if their methods gel will your needs and expectation as a couple
- How can we expect to reflect on the progress we’ve made? This will show what they do to chart changes and breakthroughs as sessions move forward
- What qualifications do you have? This might seem rude, but it’s really a basic thing that you deserve to know as a prospective client
- What costs can we expect? Fees vary in online therapy, so again it’s better to get clarity up top rather than only finding out when the invoice arrives at the end of the month.
Key Takeaways
Anyone who’s undergone couples therapy before will no doubt tell you that it was a good move, and there’s even less reason to be hesitant to get onboard when online psychiatry services are available from wherever you’re based. So don’t wait for some major conflict to arise or argument to brew; get together as a soon-to-be-married pair, speak with a specialist, and start your future together on the right footing.