Couples Therapy in Austin, TX

The stigma surrounding mental health and therapy has begun to dwindle as we progress into the 21st century. However, some myths and misconceptions about marriage counseling or couples therapy continue to persist. Many people still believe that going to couples counseling is the beginning of the end of a relationship.

The truth is that couples have a variety of reasons for seeking couples therapy. One study that was published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice found that most people who went to couples therapy (57%) did so to get closer to or feel better about their partner.

Rather than a final effort to save a toxic relationship, many couples consider therapy an opportunity to strengthen their relationship and increase intimacy. If conflicts do arise in a relationship, it can be beneficial to work through these issues with an impartial therapist before they get out of hand and more serious arguments occur.

When done by fully trained, doctorate-level psychologists and professionals, couples counseling has been shown to work between 70 and 80% of the time.

Interestingly, that number is approximately 20 percent lower when therapists A.) are new to the profession and B.) use outdated therapy tools. That’s why Williamsburg Therapy Group only staffs doctoral-level Austin therapists - also known as psychologists - to administer couples counseling.

The cost of couples counseling can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of therapy, the location, and the individual therapist or counseling center. In general, couples counseling can range from $180 - $350 per hour.

Some therapists may offer a sliding scale fee, which means that they will adjust their fees based on the couple's income and ability to pay. In some cases, couples counseling may be covered by health insurance, but this will depend on the individual policy and the type of therapy being sought.

It is important to discuss the cost of couples counseling with the therapist or counseling center before beginning treatment. Some therapists may offer a free first consultation, which can be a good time to talk about fees and ways to pay.

In addition to the cost of therapy sessions, couples may also need to pay for any additional resources or materials provided by the therapist, such as books or exercises to do at home. Overall, the cost of couples counseling can vary, but it is typically an investment in the health and well-being of the relationship.

When you see a couples therapist, you are enlisting a certified professional to analyze your relationship from an objective standpoint. This can be helpful because problems in a relationship often make it hard for each partner to see things clearly.

This is certainly something you can do, especially if you trust your friends to be objective. But understand that, as your friend, it is very difficult for that to be the case. Also, if they aren't a licensed therapist, they probably don't have the right education, tools, and experience to help you.

That is very unlikely, unless breaking up is your goal as a couple and you want a therapist's help to discuss and navigate it, which is also perfectly valid. Usually, couples wish to stay together, and the therapist’s job (except in cases of abuse) is to facilitate the wants and needs of the couple.