Couples Therapy: What to Expect

Deciding to start couples therapy is a significant step. Whether you are navigating a crisis, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to invest in your relationship before problems arise, knowing what to expect can make the process feel less daunting.

Who It's For

Couples therapy is for any two people in a committed relationship — married or not, together for decades or recently committed. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit. Many couples come to strengthen a good relationship, prepare for marriage, or work through a specific challenge before it becomes a bigger issue.

What It's About

At Little Big Journeys, couples therapy draws primarily on the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy. Sessions focus on improving communication, resolving conflict constructively, rebuilding trust, and deepening emotional and physical connection. Rather than assigning blame, we look at the patterns between you — because it is the pattern, not the person, that needs to change.

What to Expect in Sessions

The first session is an opportunity for both of you to share your perspective in a safe, neutral space. I will ask about your history as a couple, what brought you to therapy, and what each of you hopes to gain. You will learn practical tools — like the Gentle Start-Up for difficult conversations, or the Imago Dialogue for deep listening — and you will leave each session with something concrete to practice between appointments.

How Long It Takes

Every couple is different. Some find clarity in 6-10 sessions; others benefit from longer-term work. The goal is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely — it is to give you skills that last a lifetime.