What's the Difference Between Couples Coaching and Couples Counseling/Therapy?
Both couples coaching and couples counseling aim to improve relationships, but they do so in different ways. Counseling (or therapy) addresses deeper emotional issues, past traumas, or mental health concerns affecting the relationship. Licensed therapists (psychologists, professional counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists), lead these sessions, helping couples explore the root causes of their problems and heal emotional wounds.
Coaching, on the other hand, is more solution-focused and present-oriented. A relationship coach can help couples develop better communication skills, set relationship goals, and create strategies for overcoming challenges. One way to look at it is, counseling incorporates and explores the "why" behind relationship issues, while coaching emphasizes the "how" of moving forward.
Which one of the following statements best describes your relationship right now?
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There is trauma, significant conflict, and or we're on the verge of breaking up, and this is a last attempt to save our relationship.
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We have a good foundation, but we're struggling with recurring problems and/or want to improve our communication, connection, and intimacy.
If your response is 1, coaching isn’t for you and you should seek out a therapist. If you said 2, coaching will most likely strengthen your understanding of yourself, your partner, and relationship.
How Does it Work?
The goal of our work together is to help you and your partner build a stronger, more satisfying relationship. During your sessions, your coach will guide you and your partner in identifying, understanding, and processing your individual and shared patterns and problems. They will help you develop the tools and insights necessary to navigate your specific challenges and strengthen your connection. Throughout this process, your coach will serve as a referee, strategist, sounding board, pragmatist, and confidant. They will strive to empower both partners to speak and listen effectively. Together, you will all work toward the kind of relationship you both understand and, most importantly, want.
How Much and for How Long?
When you are ready to give it a shot the payment and structure is relatively straight forward. Insurance does not cover coaching. Our couples coaching rate is $80 per session (1 hour) with a three session minimum. In our first three sessions we will explore your unique dynamics, identify challenges, and develop personalized strategies to improve communication and foster connection.
Why three sessions? The first meeting is generally about "establishing", the second is "identifying and understanding", and the third is usually "accounting for" and or "accomplishing". Most couples feel that coaching has a positive impact on their partnership and they believe there's more to explore or develop. By the end of the third session, you'll know if the process is helping your relationship. Then you can determine together if additional coaching is beneficial for your situation. Additional sessions or not, the first three should help the both of you gain a deeper understanding of your relationship.
Still wondering if coaching is right for your relationship? We are happy to provide a no-cost (up to) 15 minute phone or video consultation. Just text "Couples Coaching" to 844-442-6824 and we will get back to you.