Are you and your partner ready to embark on a life-changing couples-intensive therapy journey? Finding the right therapist who understands your unique needs is key to a successful experience. Let’s explore five essential questions to ask prospective couples intensive therapists. By asking these questions, you'll gain valuable insights to make an informed decision and ensure an effective and supportive therapeutic partnership.

How do you approach couples therapy?

Asking about the therapist's approach to couple's therapy provides clarity on their treatment philosophy and methods. A compassionate therapist will emphasize creating a safe and non-judgmental space for both partners to express themselves openly. Look for professionals who focus on promoting effective communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering mutual understanding and growth within the relationship.  Also, look for a therapist who is not afraid to be a leader with the couple, so the couple can effectively move through the intensive without getting pulled into unnecessary arguments that the therapist does not know how to handle.  This can lead to a waste of time and money. I also would like to know- Do you believe in the service you provide? In other words, has the therapist been on the other side of the couch and asked for help from another therapist when they personally needed it. I want to work with someone who believes in therapy so much they too have done their own personal work when their life called them to go deeper themselves.

What experience do you have in working with couples?

Ask about the therapist's experience and expertise in couples therapy. Find out how long they have been working with couples and ask about their success stories. A seasoned therapist will have a wealth of experience guiding couples through various relationship challenges, demonstrating their ability to navigate different dynamics with empathy, understanding, and leadership.  They should be trained in different researched interventions that are known to work with couples. At Sparrow Counseling, our couple’s work is heavily influenced by the Developmental Model created by Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peterson Pearson. This model has been very effective in giving couples practical, effective tools to learn how to create more intimacy in their relationship.

How do you handle conflicts within couples therapy?

Knowing how to manage conflict with couples is a vital aspect of couples therapy. Ask the therapist about their approach to helping couples navigate conflicts and disagreements. An experienced couples therapist will teach healthy communication skills, practice fostering empathy and active listening, and guide partners in finding common ground and mutual understanding. Look for someone who encourages constructive dialogue rather than promoting blame or taking sides. You can start to see if this person is effective in doing this during your consult call. Does the therapist have a clear structure but still willing to be flexible if needed? Do they check in with both of you regularly to see how each of you are doing and if you have any questions? Are they willing to speed up or slow down based on what each person needs to learn effective skills?

How do you ensure both partners feel heard and validated?

Feeling heard and validated is crucial for both partners in a therapeutic setting. Ask the therapist how they create an environment that promotes equal participation and validation. A seasoned therapist will actively listen, empathize with each partner's perspective, and ensure both voices are acknowledged, and respected. Look for a therapist who is not afraid to be a leader in the session, where couples can be encouraged, challenged, and taught how to slow down their communication for a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives. Your therapist should be educating you both that in order to change your relational patterns each of you will have to look in the mirror and do your own individual work rather than only looking to your partner to change. Your therapist should not allow blaming to take over but consistently draw the attention back to the individual and how they are impacting the relational patterns since they can only change themselves and not their partner.

How do you support couples after the intensive sessions?

The support provided after the intensive sessions is essential for the ongoing growth and maintenance of a healthy relationship. Find out about the therapist's approach to post-intensive support, whether it includes follow-up sessions, resources, or recommendations for you both to continue to grow. A compassionate therapist will offer guidance and tools to help couples integrate what they've learned into their daily lives, ensuring long-term success.  At Sparrow Counseling, we have therapists who are trained in couples therapy as well as the Developmental Model which is what is used during the intensive.  Also, all intensives include a 2-hour follow-up session.  If more follow-up is needed then we would refer the couple to our experienced couples therapists in Sparrow Counseling.

Finding the right couples intensive therapist is a significant step towards strengthening your relationship. By asking these essential questions, you'll gain valuable insights into the therapist's approach, experience, conflict resolution strategies, validation techniques, and post-intensive support. Remember to trust your instincts and seek a therapist who resonates with both of you. With the right therapeutic alliance, you'll be empowered to enhance your communication, resolve conflicts, and foster a deeper connection, paving the way for a happier and more fulfilling relationship.

We hope you find the right couples intensive counselor for you. Feel free to call Sparrow Counseling at 205-538-3978 located in Birmingham, AL for a free 15-minute consultation. We would be happy to tell you more about our couple’s intensives.

Other Services Offered at Sparrow Counseling

At Sparrow Counseling we offer in-person and online therapy in the state of Alabama. In addition to couples intensives, our team specializes in grief, and loss counseling, individual counseling, co-parenting counseling, marriage counseling, blended family counseling, divorce & family mediation, discernment counseling, and more in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!