Questions to Ask a Counselor About Couples Counseling Wilmington, NC

Questions to ask before choosing a Couples Counselor

Are you struggling with your relationship and thinking about couples counseling? Every couple experiences struggles from time to time, and there are many issues a couple may struggle with before deciding to seek the help of a couples counselor.

Hi, I’m Rebecca, a couples counselor in Wilmington, NC. The most common struggles I see with couples include communication issues, difficulty resolving conflicts, lack of intimacy or emotional connection, infidelity or trust issues, and differences in parenting styles or goals for the relationship. These struggles can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, loneliness, and hopelessness, and very often put a strain on your relationship. 

The good thing is that couples counseling can be a powerful tool to help you improve your relationship, address issues, and build a stronger, happier future together. However, sometimes you may also feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to turn for help, which can delay your decision to seek counseling. It's important to remember that seeking the help of a couples counselor is a brave and proactive step toward improving your relationship and finding a happier future together.

Questions to ask a couples counselor in Wilmington, NC

Although finding the right couples counselor can be a daunting task. It's important to find a counselor who is experienced in couples counseling and who you feel comfortable talking to. In this article, I will explore some questions you may want to ask a counselor in your search for a couples counselor to ensure that they are a good fit for you and your partner. These are the 10 most asked questions that I get asked.

Question #1: What experience do you have in working with couples?

It's important to find a counselor who has experience working with couples. You will want someone who understands the unique challenges that come with working with two people at the same time. In my private practice, I primarily work with couples because I love how when two people come together and work through their differences it changes an entire community. I feel repairing relationships helps our community as a whole.

Question #2: What is your approach to couples counseling?

There are many different approaches to couples counseling, and it's important to find a counselor whose approach resonates with you and your partner. Some counselors may focus on communication skills, others on helping couples understand and work through deeper emotional issues. I have specialized training in the Gottman Method of couples counseling which I use as my couples counseling approach because it works! I love the way the Gottman Method is a researched method proven to help couples improve the overall quality of the couples relationship by addressing conflict, increasing emotional connection, promoting growth, and fostering understanding and empathy.

Question #3: How long does couples counseling typically take?

The length of couples counseling can vary depending on the issues you are working on and the progress you make. An individual counseling session typically lasts 50-minutes and is referred to as a therapeutic hour. However, some therapists offer 90-minute sessions which provide an opportunity to get more done in a single session. My sessions for couples are typically 60-minutes each. If there is a need for a longer 90-minute session it would be discussed and agreed upon prior to a scheduled session.

Question #4: How will you involve both partners in the therapy process?

Couples counseling is a collaborative process, and it's important that both partners feel involved and heard. In my counseling sessions, I involve both partners in the therapy process to help you to learn the steps you need to take together to ensure that both you and your partner are able to share your thoughts and feelings.

Question #5: What happens if we disagree during therapy?

Disagreements are a natural part of any relationship, and they may come up during therapy as well. Again, I use Gottman Method tools to handle disagreements and conflicts that may arise during therapy, and which are highly effective in assisting in conflict resolution to help you as a couple work through your disagreements.

Question #6: Will you assign homework or exercises to do between sessions?

Homework or exercises can be a helpful way to continue the work you do in counseling outside of the counseling session. I often assign homework and exercises for you and your partner to do between sessions.

Question #7: How often will we meet for therapy sessions?

The frequency of counseling sessions can vary depending on your counselor’s availability and your schedule. I have found that meeting weekly improves clients’ progress toward their goals so for that reason, I meet with clients weekly. The average person takes about 9-months to reach and maintain their optimal level of wellness. Although it is difficult to predict how long therapy will take, typically my clients usually commit to counseling for at least 6-months.

Question #8: How will you measure progress?

It's important to have a way to measure progress in counseling so that you can see the positive changes you are making. There are many ways to measure progress in couples counseling. Although I assess progress monthly, I find the best way of measuring progress is by how you and your partner are feeling about your relationship as a whole as well as how you are feeling individually.

Question #9: How much will therapy cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on the therapist's experience and location. My fee for couples counseling is $150 per 60-minute session.

Question #10: How can we maintain the progress we make in therapy?

The goal of therapy is to help you and your partner make lasting positive changes in your relationship. As a couple you will learn techniques through the Gottman Method which you will be able to use outside of counseling to continue working on your relationship together.

As you can see, finding the right therapist for couples counseling can take time and effort, but it's an important investment in your relationship. By asking the right questions and finding a counselor who you feel comfortable with, you can take the first steps toward strengthening your relationship and building a happier, healthier future together.

A free couples counseling consultation in Wilmington, NC 

I hope this helps you find the right couples counselor in Wilmington, NC. If you have other questions you might need answered while seeking a couples counselor, feel free to call me at (910) 227-3737 for a free 15-minute phone consultation and/or to schedule an appointment in my downtown Wilmington office or virtually online.