What to Expect in an Initial Couples Therapy Session

More info... If you call to schedule a couples therapy session, here is what you should expect. An initial appointment will be scheduled and it is important that both members of the couple attend. The initial session or two will involve taking a history. I will ask about the current problem and any precipitating factors. A complete history of the couple relationship will be taken. I will also take a history of each individual partner and their family of origin. This information will be used in a subsequent analysis. I use an Imago style approach to couples therapy. This means that one of the primary areas of focus will be an evaluation of unmet needs in childhood from one's early caretakers. The theory suggests that we unconsciously choose mates who we hope can fill our unmet childhood needs while at the same time provide some familiarity (both positive and negative) with the way we were raised. How we react to those in our most intimate relationships are therefore highly influenced by how we were raised. Naming, understanding and bringing these expectations to the forefront help understand partners' behaviors towards each other and hopefully allow the couple enough empathy to change the way they react to each other. As in other types of therapy, progress goals will be set and the length of therapy depends on the effort and progress made by the couple. Do You Really Want to Change?We’ve all heard the statistics about the likelihood of keeping New Year’s resolutions. Instead of talking about the failure of the New Year’s promise, here is some information about how to make those changes stick. According to Change Theory, there are six steps to making a change. The first is Precontemplation, when you first notice some discomfort with an aspect in your life. The second is Contemplation. In this stage, the problem becomes something that takes up some mental space. Many people are in the contemplation stage for weight loss after the holidays. The ads on TV and extra pounds begin to focus our attention on this topic. Those who are serious about changing, might move into the Preparation and Planning stage where they would come up with a plan, like joining Weight Watchers or setting a goal. They might also tell someone so that they had some accountability. Now it is time for Action. This involves really taking the plan and doing it. Setting goals is helpful, so that there is a target to work toward. Make sure that goals are specific, measurable and attainable, like 10 lbs by April 1. An unrealistic target can contribute to failure. Once a goal is reached, the next phase is Maintenance, where the change becomes more than an exercise but rather incorporated into the daily lifestyle. Finally, once this goal is achieved, proceed to the Termination phase to celebrate your victory. Weight was used a today’s example but this process can be useful in changing lifestyle habits as well. Think about what you would like to change in your life and set goals. Darlene is in residency at the CTS Counseling Center and is a life coach. She specializes in personal professional growth and development as well as lifestyle change. Please feel free to contact her for a complimentary coaching session and for information about the services she offers. Call Darlene today to experience the growth you've been seeking!! I have been working with people in the context of their families, culture and social economic status for over 17 years. To do this I provide individual and family counseling, marital therapy and pre-marital counseling as well as divorce recovery in a safe, supportive enviroment. Common concerns you may experience include: depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping (emotional issues), trouble adjusting to transitions such as aging, children as they reach adolescence, changes in relationships or work. If you are experiencing any of these issues, professional intervention is usually helpful. I have a great deal of experience with child development and parenting issues as well. More info... (http://video.google.com/url?docid=1746964808435924885&esrc=rss_searchfeed&ev=v&len=93&q=family+therapy&srcurl=http%3A%2F%2Funcutvideo.aol.com%2Fvideos%2F8dbaa9781ed36b8759b937dd80c11e30&vidurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideoplay%3Fdocid%3D1746964808435924885%26q%3Dfamily%2Btherapy&usg=AL29H20rTx6VMkPu_2hZlPWJ5Ruj-3Jmpg)Given the choice between a therapist and a classic movie...2 min - May 25, 2007Give me Laurel and Hardy any day! Growing up, my family used classic movies as family therapy. That should have been a sign that I would become a ravenous movie fan when I grew up. My friends and colleagues are well acquainted with my mania and I regularly use film in my work as a campus minister. When someone asks, "What's your favorite movie?" I just laugh. As if I could narrow it down to just one. - submitted by AOL Video Uploads user syzygy121b Life Coaching Share Your Opinion. (0 posts)

 

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