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: