+ Who are good candidates for therapy?

The decision to seek couple’s therapy can be a daunting one. It requires the couple to be vulnerable and admit that there may be something wrong in the relationship. This can be overwhelming and terrifying for some.

The truth of the matter is that seeking couples counseling early in your relationship, can be one one the healthiest and most rewarding decisions you make!

Most couples can benefit from a neutral and safe space to discuss goals for the relationship and areas of needed improvement.

+ How do I know if I could benefit from couples therapy?

Taking the next step to start couples counseling is no simple task. It requires revealing that the relationship is not perfect and without any fault. This can be terrifying and difficult to admit. For many, this can feel scary if your not familiar with what therapy and counseling are all about. Numerous amounts of partners and couples embark on this process can feel confusing and mysterious. Often times, the idea of seeing a therapist is of low priority, with usually one of both parties are unsure with how to proceed and whether their specific problems, or issues can actually be helped.

Lack or Broken Trust

Many long-term couples experience distress at one point or another due to differences in dealing with finances, intimacy needs, family dynamics, emotional affairs or disengagement.

Difficulty communicating in healthy and effective ways.

It’s only normal that couples will have squabbles here and there however, if you’re ratio of positive to negative interactions and communication are leaning heavily towards the negative side, it is a strong indicator that the health of the relationship may be at stake. Negative interactions such as frequent arguing, name calling, criticism, and invalidation leads to feeling more distant and eventually disconnected in the relationship.

Major life change or transition including death, divorce, illness, loss

Most long term couples experience a major life changing event which can be extremely stressful and result in conflict or dissatisfaction within the relationship.

A therapist can help the couple process the loss and change in relationship dynamics as well as teach the couple healthy ways to communicate and support one another during this time and beyond.

Something just doesn’t feel right..

It might be hard to put your finger on it but something feels different. Maybe like the ‘spark’ may be gone in your relationship. Are you starting to feel resentment?

This may just mean that your relationship needs a tune up much like you’re beloved car. A therapist’s office can be the safest and most supportive place to get help.

+ What are some of the benefits of couples therapy?

Couples therapy has the ability to positively impact many critical areas that determine the health of one’s relationships over time. Individuals unknowingly contribute to the detriment of the relationship because they never learned effective communication skills and/or have unresolved past issues they are recreating and projecting in their current relationship.

A skilled couple’s therapist can help you:

Increase intimacy in your relationship. Not only can it be more sexually satisfying but it can help foster more feelings and acts of romance in your partnership.

Work better as a team, learn to cooperate, and nurture a dynamic of supportive partnership.

Manage daily stressors as in more effective ways.

Adapt and support one another through major life transition and/or loss.

Resolve and come to terms with major differences in relationship decisions.

Improve the quality of time and interactions you have with one another.

+ How do I know I am ready for therapy?

You are willing to accept that it is time to try something different in order to get better results.

You are willing to take responsibility for your role in the current relationship dynamic.

You are motivated and committed to Working in couple’s therapy.

You are seeking change and self-improvement in your own life.

You are ready to grow strong and healthy as a couple.

+What is my initial consultation at Dr. Hersha's office in New York like?

During the first meeting at Dr. Hersha’s New York location, your therapist will determine if you are a good candidate for therapy. This starts with your full health history, including major illnesses, prior hospitalizations, and any other relevant medical information. Your therapist will want to know about current and past relationships and obtain an individual history as well as your diet and exercise habits.

It is important to tell your therapist if you smoke, take any medications, supplements, or other recreational drugs as these can have a big impact on your progress. Our therapists understand that this can be difficult and sensitive information to share and therefore strive to offer non-judgmental support and gentle guidance. During the visit, your therapist will do a general evaluation of of mental well-being and health including any other serious past injuries and/or trauma. All of this information will assist with the planning and treatment of your diagnosis.