We all go through rough spots in our relationships. The longer you’re together, the harder it can seem. It may seem tempting to give up and move on when it gets hard and hits rough patches. A relationship is an investment. Sometimes, it takes having a neutral party to provide an honest assessment to get you past the hurdles and back into the loving relationship that used to exist.
Three out of four couples who seek couples therapy report their relationship improves. Nine out of 10 find their emotional health improves, and almost seven out of 10 report their physical health improves. It takes time to reach this point, however.
Couples counseling is not a one-and-done experience. It can take months of therapy. On average, it takes 12 sessions. You have to take that first step, and for many couples, online couples counseling comes to mind. Is it worth it?
Common Concerns that Keep Couples from Considering Online Therapy
Are you on the fence? It’s not uncommon for one or both people to worry about online therapy being the best choice. Concerns range from the effectiveness of online therapy to the security you enjoy.
The same rules apply to online counseling as in-person. HIPAA compliance is mandatory, so security and confidentiality are protected. Communications are encrypted, and your counselor isn’t going to provide counseling in a public setting where strangers overhear everything you say.
BMC Psychology did a study during the pandemic to determine if online counseling is as effective as in-person counseling. The study found that online sessions were just as effective. That being said, you need to choose your therapist carefully. Most people go through three therapists before finding the right one.
If you’re considering online couples counseling, it’s a brilliant investment in your relationship. It may surprise you how effective online couples counseling is and the many benefits it offers.
Is It Time for Therapy?
How do you know if it’s time to seek therapy to save your relationship? If you’ve tried to address things and feel unheard, a therapist helps create a pathway that gets you communicating your hopes, fears, and frustrations. If you keep arguing but nothing changes, couples counseling is important.
Have you started feeling resentful, angry, or distant from your significant other? Are you depressed and feeling that it’s hopeless? Has the emotional or physical connection you used to feel gone away? Have stressors driven you apart? The death of a parent, retirement, job loss, or shift from parents to empty nesters can all impact your relationship and make it harder to see eye to eye. When this happens, it’s time to talk to a counselor.
For couples therapy to work, both parties have to agree to try counseling. If your significant other refuses to participate, it’s not going to work. When you’re both on the same page, in-person and online counseling are options, and online couples counseling offers many advantages that are worth considering.
The Advantages of Online Couples Counseling
How do you know that online counseling is right? Why is online counseling a better option for some couples? What are the advantages?
Accessibility
Online therapy provides plenty of options. You’re not limited to one or two therapists in an office. You can browse dozens of therapists and find the best match for your needs. Instead of choosing a therapist who helps with mental health, anxiety, and relationships, you can narrow your choices to a certified relationship coach.
Convenience
Online therapy is convenient. That’s the biggest benefit. You control the setting, how you talk to your relationship therapist, and what you’re wearing when you meet. You have the comforts of home around you while you talk to the therapist.
When you’re at ease and comfortable with the situation, you will feel more open and honest. That’s a key to relationship therapy. You need to be comfortable and willing to talk about the things that frustrate you, worry you, and cause anger. The more open you are when discussing your feelings, the more effective couples counseling is.
With online therapy, you’re able to schedule appointments outside of your work hours, so no one at work needs to know. You don’t have to request a longer lunch break or time off in the morning or late afternoon each week. You don’t have to leave work and return to your desk after an emotional meeting.
Flexibility
Online therapy sessions are flexible to your schedule. You don’t have to factor in the time it takes to get to the office, how bad traffic is at that time of day, and whether or not there’s construction that can cause delays.
You choose the time, go to your laptop or desktop computer, and set up wherever you feel the most comfortable. Plus, you don’t have to dress up. Since you’re at home, wear whatever makes you comfortable.
Your partner or spouse is also in the home at the same time. You don’t have to coordinate a time to meet up or share an uncomfortable ride to the office together.
A lengthy session isn’t necessary. With online therapy, you can meet for as little as 30 minutes starting out. You’ll have time to get to know your therapist and ensure it’s the best fit before you begin meeting for a full hour.
Privacy
When you’re talking to a relationship therapist online, it’s private. You’re in a comfortable setting and control who overhears you. At an office, you may worry about people walking past in the hallway. You don’t have that concern when you’re at home.
You’re also ensured privacy due to HIPAA regulations. Your sessions with a therapist are confidential. There are no concerns about your therapist talking about your situation with someone else without your permission.
Tips for Getting Started
Jaime Bronstein, The Relationship Expert, assists couples in making their relationship work. Some of the ways she can help include:
- Learn anger and stress management techniques
- Switch from survival mode to thriving mode
- Become completely honest and open
- Stop judging each other
- Assess and manage your emotions and how you react to each other
- Communicate effectively
- Find your voice and become an effective listener
Whether you’re married or in a committed relationship or want to work on your relationship before getting married, The Relationship Expert can help. Sessions range from 30 minutes to full hours and are available by phone, in-person, or via video conferencing. Request an appointment with Jaime online or by phone.
