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    Couples Counseling and Marriage Therapy

    Types of Relationships

    Individuals experiencing relationship issues often seek couples counseling to address difficulties in various relationships. While many focus on issues with a partner, others may encounter challenges with family members, co-workers, friends, church members, bosses, or neighbors. The skills learned at Tampa Therapy & Wellness support healthier dynamics across all types of relationships.

    Different types of relationships that may seek out couples therapy include:

    • Premarital Couples — Couples preparing for marriage may appreciate an assessment of their relationship and a mediator to discuss sensitive topics like sex, finances, family (in-laws), and prenuptial agreements.

    • Couples (Dating and Married) — Couples, whether dating or married, often seek support when they’ve exhausted their ways of handling challenges but remain frustrated with the relationship. They may have issues with communication, trust, or intimacy and need help (re)building the relationship they desire.

    • Blended Families or Divorced Parents — These couples face unique stresses such as a history of trauma, guilt, and added challenges related to children, including adult children.

    Signs of Relationship Issues

    Common relationship challenges include:

    • Difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings
    • Lack of trust, intimacy issues, and disrespect
    • Financial disagreements, family conflicts, and in-law tensions
    • Blended family adjustments, parenting differences, and struggles with adult children
    • Issues like infidelity, secret-keeping (affairs, financial matters), and anger or frequent arguments

    How We Support Couples with Relationship Issues

    At Tampa Therapy & Wellness, we use an integrative approach using techniques such as the Gottman Method and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) — both of which are evidence-based techniques proven effective in resolving relational conflicts. Through a range of approaches, we’re equipped to provide tailored support for the unique challenges in your relationship.

    For more information, call (813) 530-5180 for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation about couples counseling.

    Expected Outcomes from Couples Counseling

    After treatment, clients can expect to achieve:

    • Healthier relationship dynamics and commitment
    • Restored trust, improved intimacy, and a more satisfying relationship

    Which Couples Therapy Style is Best for You?

    We offer two therapy formats to fit your lifestyle:

    1. Weekly Semi-Structured Sessions — Ideal for those with a regular schedule, this format includes ongoing couple sessions and one individual session for each partner.
    2. Intensive 2-Day Retreat — Equivalent to three months (13 sessions) of work, this weekend retreat is ideal for couples in urgent need or with limited availability.

    Both options equip you with essential communication skills and techniques to help you and your partner build the relationship you both desire.

    FAQ about Relationships

    My partner does not want to go to couple's therapy. Can I come by myself?

    Yes. However, if the issue is within the relationship and not with the individual, it is highly recommended that the couple attends sessions together. The first step for a better relationship is having both parties invested and wanting to better themselves and their relationship.

    How long will treatment for relationship issues last?

    There are many different types of issues that relationships can experience. The duration of treatment depends on the conflicts and how severe they are. Typically, couples engage in therapy for a few months and come back as needed. 

    How often should we attend sessions?

    When couples first start going to therapy, they will attend sessions weekly (sometimes twice-a-week), until all of their issues have been resolved. Down the line, when we move to build the “positive bank” in your relationship, the sessions might be attended every other week.

    Can a relationship recover from affairs/cheating?

    It depends. Each person has their own set of beliefs that come from their family, formation, and temperament. Some people are able to forgive and move on, while others may hold resentment for a long time. Either way, it is necessary to find out why the partner left the relationship (emotionally and temporarily), why they both want to continue, and if they are committed to put in the effort to make the relationship work.

    There’s something going on that my partner does not know. Do you keep secrets?

    Temporarily. At times, individuals keep secrets (affairs, alcoholism, financial issues, drug use, past, etc.) from their partners. When trying to maintain a healthy relationship, it has been found that keeping secrets are damaging. I might keep a secret for a couple of weeks, with the understanding that the secret will be out soon. I will help the partner keeping the secret come up with statements and learn how to navigate the difficult conversation. People tend to keep secrets when they are afraid of rejection or the reaction from their partners. Being in therapy provides a safe environment and tools to help bring out secrets to partners.