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Program Format
The typical length of this program ranges from 4 to 6 months, with 90-minute couples therapy sessions held twice per month. (In certain cases, the duration of therapy may be shorter or longer.) This format allows enough time during sessions to fully explore significant issues and to begin implementing healing changes, while also giving time between sessions to apply new approaches at home and to work on fine-tuning.
Couples will be given between-sessions exercises to maximize progress.
Phases of Couples Therapy
While each couple is unique, what follows is a broad outline of what to expect with the Valued Relationships program.You can stop therapy or take a break at any time, and I will completely respect your decision. The 4-6 month time-frame encompasses the first three phases listed below.
Assessment: A thorough assessment is completed at the start of the program, consisting of a 90-minute intake session focused on clearly identifying your goals as a couple, as well as your strengths and needs regarding communication, connection, and individual and relational values. This guides the process going forward so that therapy is personalized to your unique situation. We will begin identifying initial steps to take and tools you can use by the end of the first session or two.
Working Treatment: This phase will comprise the majority of your time in couples therapy. Using the assessment and goals we have set, we will delve deeper into the concerns and needs you want to see addressed, and will develop strategies to improve communication, understand and honor each other's personal and relationship values, identify ways to change patterns that are fueling your presenting concerns, and develop plans to improve your loving connection.
Maintenance: In this phase, we examine what changes you have implemented to support your healthy and loving relationship, and work to solidify these changes. We will develop a sustainability plan so that in the future you can get back on track with what has worked for you if you have started to drift away from it.
Relational Growth and Development, and/or Couples Check-Ups: While not part of the main program, many couples who have participated in Valued Relationships wish to continue meeting for ongoing growth and support. For some couples, this takes the form of "check-ups" which may occur monthly, quarterly, or on whatever time-table the couple prefers. Feedback on this has been that the "check-up" helps to keep couples on track with the changes they have made in the program, and that knowing they have a forum to work through new issues that may arise is reassuring and helpful. Couples may also choose to continue regular meetings after addressing their primary concerns to facilitate growth in other aspects of their relationship.
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