Couples Therapy
Relationships change under pressure, and not always in ways that are easy to talk about on your own. Couples therapy at Charis Psychological Services in Johannesburg gives both partners a structured, neutral space to work through conflict, communication breakdown, or the strain that illness and injury can place on a relationship.
What Is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy involves both partners attending sessions together with a registered psychologist. Rather than assigning blame, the focus is on understanding the patterns that keep showing up between you and finding ways to communicate and resolve conflict that both people can actually use.
What Kinds Of Concerns Bring Couples To Therapy?
Couples come to therapy at different stages of a relationship, and for different reasons. Common concerns include ongoing conflict or a breakdown in communication, trust that has been damaged, and the pressure that a partner's illness, injury or caregiving role can place on a relationship.
What Happens In A Session?
Sessions typically begin with both partners describing the relationship and what has brought them to therapy, often individually as well as together. From there, your psychologist works with both of you to identify recurring patterns and practise different ways of relating to one another within the session, so that changes can be tested and adjusted rather than simply discussed.
Is Couples Therapy Only For Relationships In Crisis?
No. While many couples reach out during a difficult period, others use therapy to strengthen communication before or during a major transition, such as a new diagnosis, a move, or a change in family circumstances. Couples therapy in Johannesburg with Charis Psychological Services can be useful at any stage where both partners are willing to engage in the process.
Do Both Partners Need To Attend Every Session?
While most sessions include both partners, your psychologist may occasionally suggest an individual session with one partner where that would help move the work forward. This is discussed and agreed upon rather than assumed.
What Should You Know Before Your First Session?
The first session usually runs slightly longer than a standard individual session, to allow time for both partners to share their perspective. It can help to think about what you would each like to get out of therapy beforehand, though this is not essential.