Jousline Savra, LMFT Opens Up About What To Expect From Couples Counseling

Have you ever pondered the intricacies of your relationship, wondered how to navigate the challenges, or sought ways to enhance your connection with your partner? If so, you’re not alone. 

Relationships, while immensely rewarding, can also be complex and occasionally fraught with difficulties. This is where couples counseling steps in, offering a guiding hand to help you and your partner navigate the twists and turns of your journey together. 

But what exactly should you expect when you embark on this path of self-discovery and relationship improvement? 

What is marriage counseling?

This professional therapeutic service is designed to help couples enhance communication and resolve conflicts. This specialized form of therapy provides a safe and supportive space for couples to work with a trained therapist to address the challenges they are facing in their partnership.

Jousline Savra, LMFT based in Roswell, GA says the primary objective is to empower couples to build a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship. It is about finding solutions to immediate problems and equipping couples with the skills and insights needed to navigate future challenges effectively. The biggest and most common problem she runs into with couples is that they wait too long before coming in to get the right help, and it is simply too late. This is a serious problem and it’s sad, because many times after listening to them, Jousline discovers that it’s too late for them to work on the marriage, because the relationship has been so injured that they are no longer motivated to make changes.  

However, many couples who engage in marriage counseling discover that it helps them address their current concerns, strengthens their bond, and paves the way for a healthier and happier partnership.

Does it work?

Well, in many cases, marriage counseling can be highly effective in improving relationships, fostering better communication, and providing strategies to address specific issues. But whether marriage counseling works or not can vary from one couple to another and depends on several factors. 

Jousline discusses some of these factors:

• Communication problems
• Trust and infidelity
• Intimacy and sexual issues
• Financial conflicts
• Parenting and co-parenting challenges
• Lack of emotional connection
• Anger and conflict resolution difficulties

However, there are instances where counseling may not lead to reconciliation, particularly when one or both partners are unwilling to engage in the process or when deep-seated issues cannot be resolved.

The misconceptions about marriage counseling   

Marriage counseling is often shrouded in misunderstandings and assumptions, which can deter couples from seeking the help they may need.

Here are some misconceptions about marriage counseling:

• Only for failing marriages: One common misconception is that couples counseling is only for marriages on the brink of divorce. In reality, it can benefit relationships at various stages, from addressing minor issues to enhancing already healthy partnerships.
• Blame game: Some people believe that marriage counseling is all about assigning blame. In truth, it focuses on understanding and resolving issues rather than placing blame on one partner.
• Quick fixes: Marriage counseling is often seen as a quick fix for deep-seated issues. While it can provide valuable tools and insights, lasting change typically requires ongoing effort and commitment from both partners.
• Therapist as referee: People may mistakenly think that therapists act as referees who decide right and wrong in conflicts. Therapists aim to facilitate healthy communication and understanding rather than taking sides.
• It’s expensive: While counseling can cost, many therapists offer sliding scale fees or accept insurance. It’s essential to explore affordable options if cost is a concern.

What you should expect 

Marriage or relationship therapy offers couples a supportive and structured environment to address issues, improve communication, and strengthen their partnership. While each counseling experience is unique, couples can have several common expectations. 

Jousline discusses some of the expectations that couples should have:

1. A safe and confidential environment

Couples can anticipate entering a therapeutic space where their privacy is highly respected. A fundamental aspect of couples counseling is creating a safe and confidential environment. 

Here, partners can openly discuss their relationship issues and express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. 

The therapist’s role is to maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring that what is shared in the counseling sessions remains within the therapeutic setting. 

This safe space fosters trust and open communication, allowing couples to work through their challenges in a secure, non-threatening atmosphere.

2. Rebuilding emotional connection

Counseling often centers on rebuilding or strengthening the emotional connection between partners. Couples can anticipate that the therapeutic process will address emotional disconnection, increase intimacy, and nurture a deeper emotional bond. 

Jousline guides couples in rekindling their emotional connection, fostering mutual understanding, empathy, and a sense of partnership, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship where emotional intimacy is prioritized.

3. Improved communication skills

One of the key goals of couples counseling is the enhancement of communication. Couples can embark on a journey where they learn effective and empathetic communication skills. 

This involves expressing their thoughts and emotions more clearly and developing active listening skills to understand each other truly. 

Through expertise, Jousline guides how to communicate healthily and constructively, emphasizing the importance of empathy, non-judgment, and vulnerability in conversations. The ultimate aim is to empower couples with the tools to express themselves and connect on a deeper level.

4. Understanding relationship dynamics

Couples entering counseling should look forward to better understanding their relationship dynamics. This involves identifying and dissecting recurring behavior and communication patterns within the relationship. 

Jousline guides couples in recognizing the underlying causes of their conflicts, whether they stem from past experiences, unmet needs, or differing expectations. 

Couples can then begin to understand the source of their challenges by shining a light on these dynamics, laying the groundwork for positive change.

5. Conflict resolution techniques

Conflict is inherent in any relationship, and couples counseling equips partners with techniques to navigate these disagreements constructively. 

Couples can expect to learn strategies for resolving conflicts, finding compromises, and working together to create mutually acceptable solutions. 

The goal is to replace destructive or unproductive patterns of conflict with healthy approaches that promote understanding and resolution. These skills are invaluable for strengthening the relationship and achieving more harmonious interactions.

6. Setting clear and achievable goals

Therapists collaborate with couples to set clear and achievable goals for the counseling process. This step is critical in guiding the therapy and ensuring that partners work toward specific outcomes. 

The goals may vary, from rebuilding trust and addressing specific issues to improving overall relationship satisfaction. Couples can expect that their therapist will assist them in defining their objectives and creating a roadmap for achieving these goals. Jousline will work together with you to make your way to a better, more fulfilling relationship.

7. Individual growth within the relationship

Counseling is not solely about addressing relationship issues but also about fostering personal growth within the context of the partnership. Both partners can anticipate the opportunity to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to the relationship dynamics. 

This self-awareness is vital to the therapeutic journey, as it allows individuals to understand themselves better and how they interact within the relationship. 

Personal growth within the relationship is interconnected with general health and success. It enables partners to work on themselves while simultaneously enhancing their connection with each other.

Conclusion 

Finding the perfect marriage counselor is pivotal to enhancing your relationship and building a healthier, more fulfilling partnership. It’s a decision that can empower you and your partner to address challenges, improve communication, and create a stronger bond. 

Jousline Savra, Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist, offers a supportive space where you and your partner can work together to overcome challenges and nurture a more harmonious connection. She invites you to contact her if you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, happier relationship. 

Help is just a click away and here to guide you toward a more satisfying and loving partnership. Reach out to Jousline today and begin your journey toward a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.

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