Marriage is a complex and often challenging journey, filled with its fair share of highs and lows. So often couples that start out feeling deeply connected, safe, and in love find themselves in a cycle of conflict and tension that they can’t seem to get away from. Often it feels to couples that the harder they try, the worse things seem to get. Embarking on the journey of marriage counseling in American Fork, UT is a commendable step towards enhancing the health of your relationship.

The Power of Emotionally Focused Therapy in American Fork, UT: Reconnecting Your Marriage

Sometimes couples need help from a professional to reestablish safety and connection in their marriage. Emotionally Focused Therapy is the only empirically validated couples therapy, and a therapist trained in EFT can help you get out of that stuck place and back to feeling connected and in love. If you’re considering marriage counseling in American Fork, UT, you might be wondering what to expect from the process. In this blog, The Family Therapy Clinic will explore the dynamics of marriage counseling and what you can anticipate as you embark on this journey of healing and growth.

An Objective and Neutral Environment

Marriage counseling in American Fork, UT provides a safe and neutral space for couples to address their concerns. Expect a marriage therapist to create safety and have an understanding of both partner’s experiences and feelings. Both partners should feel heard and validated. This setting allows for open and honest conversations that may be challenging to have at home.

Assessment and Goal Setting

In the early sessions, a couples therapist will work with you to identify the key issues in your relationship and set goals for therapy. A couples therapist in American Fork, UT will gather history about your family of origin, your previous relationships, and any trauma or attachment wounds. The marriage counselor will also be assessing your particular conflict cycle. Paying attention to how you might be getting stuck so they can help you move out of that cycle.

Improved Communication

Many people come to marriage therapy wanting to work on communication. While learning skills like active listening or I-statements can be helpful, research shows that teaching such skills does not actually create long lasting change in couples. Your Emotionally Focused Marriage Counselor will working on identifying the underlying needs, hurts, and patterns that are keeping you and your partner stuck. As you increase connection and understanding in marriage counseling your communication also shifts for the better.

Conflict Resolution

“When marriages fail, it is not increasing conflict that is the cause. It is decreasing affection and emotional responsiveness…”

Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, but it’s how you handle them that matters. As mentioned in the Sue Johnson quote above, an increase in conflict is not what tends to end marriages. Still, being able to hear each other and work through conflict in a more connected way will shift how safe and connected partners feel, which in turn tends to decrease conflict.

Strengthening Emotional Connection

Strengthening emotional connection and responsiveness is one of the most important things your Emotionally Focused Couples Counselor will help you with. Lack of deep connection is a marriage killer. Marriage counseling can help you reconnect with your partner on an emotional level, shifting patterns, identifying the conflict cycle, and exploring and sharing the underlying attachment needs of both partners.

Coping with Major Life Events

Couples often face significant life events such as the birth of a child, job changes, or the loss of a loved one. A couples therapist in American Fork, UT can provide a framework for navigating these transitions and adapting as a couple.

Building a Stronger Foundation

Marriage counseling at our American Fork, UT practice is not solely for couples in crisis. It can also be a valuable resource for those who want to proactively strengthen their relationship. By addressing concerns early on, you can build a stronger foundation for your marriage.

Privacy and Confidentiality

It’s essential to know that what you discuss in marriage counseling remains confidential. This privacy allows for open and honest conversations without fear of judgment from outside parties.

Time and Commitment

Marriage counseling is not a quick fix. It often takes time to see significant improvements! Expect to attend regular sessions and be willing to commit to the process, even when it becomes challenging. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is considered a short-term treatment, with most couples attending between 8 and 24 sessions, however, that is highly dependent on several factors including trauma history, how committed both partners are, whether there have been any betrayals, and other individual factors.

Embracing Transformation: Your Journey through Marriage Counseling in American Fork, UT

Marriage counseling can be a transformative and healing experience for couples willing to put in the effort. It provides a platform for understanding, communication, and growth. By knowing what to expect, you can approach marriage counseling in American Fork, UT with a positive outlook and a willingness to work together to make your relationship stronger and more fulfilling. If you’re considering marriage counseling, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and commitment to your relationship’s well-being.

Find a Couples Therapist in American Fork, UT Today!

If communication challenges are straining your marriage, take the first step toward a stronger connection. Our expert couples therapist in American Fork, UT, specializes in marriage counseling. Rediscover the joy of effective communication and build a foundation for lasting love. Begin by following these simple steps:

1. Contact us or call/text (385) 308-2700 so we can get to know your story.
2. Begin couples therapy in American Fork, UT.
3. Reconnect with your partner and set realistic marriage counseling expectations!

Other Services our Utah Couples Therapists Offer:

At The Family Therapy Clinic, we offer a wide range of mental health services to support all your teenager’s needs. While we provide teen anxiety and depression therapy, we understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging. Our expert therapists specialize in adult anxiety and OCD therapy.