Most couples who go to counseling together are hoping to learn about effective communication skills. Although we all know that good communication is essential to a thriving relationship, it’s tough to nail down exactly what that entails. In couples counseling, I work with clients by helping them change their interaction. Each person works on adjusting their manner of communicating so that they come closer to a middle ground of understanding.

So, what can couples counseling teach you about effective communication in relationships? Below is just the tip of the iceberg about what couples counseling has to offer:

It’s understandable that some people are reluctant to try out couples counseling. There is a lot of misrepresentation in TV and movies. And because relationship struggles are often kept private, you probably won’t hear from your friends and family who tried out couples counseling and had a great experience. Deciding to come to couples counseling is hard enough without misinformation about how it works and what it can do for you.

To help you know what to really expect, I’ve broken down some myths about effective couples counseling:

If you’re feeling stuck or confused in your relationship, you might be wondering if couples counseling can provide clarity and way forward for you and your partner. Or maybe you’re already planning to go couples counseling, but you’re not sure what to expect.

To help you understand how couples counseling works, let’s delve into five truths about effective couples counseling:

As someone who relocated to Rhode Island from nearby Connecticut, I have loved immersing myself in Rhode Island culture. The beaches, seafood, and likelihood of bumping into someone you know all make Lil Rhody a special place. But just because they live near a beach doesn’t mean that Rhode Islanders sometimes struggle in their relationships and need support from a trained professional.

If you are looking for help in finding just the right couples therapist, here are some places to start your search:

Many couples therapists in Rhode Island nowadays are offering a consultation call before you book your first therapy session. This is beneficial for both you and the therapist, so you can make sure you’re a good fit for each other. Feeling out the therapist before you commit to a session can save you a lot of time and energy. But you might be wondering, What should I ask in the consultation? What will the therapist ask me?

Every consultation will be a little different, but here are some topics that are likely to come up: