Should husband and wife see the same counselor?

Asked by: Bernard Greenfelder  |  Last update: November 4, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (28 votes)

When opting for individual counseling sessions as a couple, you should consider whether you both want to see the same therapist or not. Seeing the same counselor separately can help them see both sides of the situation, allowing them to create strategies and solutions that benefit all parties involved.

Should you use the same therapist as your spouse?

If you are hoping that a counselor will help to improve communication in your relationship, seeing the same counselor is the best way to help the two of you work through problem areas in your relationship.

Should you share a therapist?

Ultimately, you want to feel that your work with a therapist is entirely unbiased, comfortable, and trusting. If “sharing” a therapist with someone you know messes with that in any way, find someone else if you can. Any good therapist will work to be completely impartial at all times.

Can you see two different therapists?

Many people have benefited from receiving concurrent mental health services from two therapists. Each therapist may provide a different service such as individual therapy, couples therapy, or group therapy. For example, you might see one therapist for individual therapy and another therapist for couples therapy.

How long should you see the same therapist?

In general, clients should stay in therapy for as long as they feel like they are growing and making progress. Once you start to feel like you're not growing anymore, or in a sense, it seems you've outgrown your current therapist, it may be time to consider switching therapists.

Secrets of a Couples Counselor: 3 Steps to Happier Relationships | Susan L. Adler | TEDxOakParkWomen

24 related questions found

Is it OK to see the same therapist as a family member?

In these cases, it's likely that many people who know each other will end up seeing the same therapist 一 it just can't be helped. There's nothing explicit in psychologists' and counselors' ethical codes that prevent them from working with two people who know each other, or even two members of the same family.

Is 2 years too long to be in therapy?

Therapy can be ongoing

Many people continue to stay in therapy for over a year. Some people engage in therapy for many years. Other people go to therapy, leave therapy, and return to therapy at different points all throughout their life.

Is it OK to try different therapists?

First and foremost, there's nothing wrong with switching therapists if the care provider you're seeing isn't a good fit. For multiple reasons — whether it be the therapist needs to step away or it's the patient's choice — thousands of people change therapists every year.

Why not see two therapists?

Goals, planning or therapy pacing could be very different if all counsellors know that you are also receiving therapy elsewhere. The separate counsellors think very differently or see your situation differently and suggest different pathways.

Should you go back to the same therapist?

If you began seeing your therapist and felt they truly understood you, your feelings, and where you were coming from, that's a great sign. However, if you feel that the connection has dwindled or is no longer there, it may be time to seek new help.

Is there anything you shouldn t share with a therapist?

Other things to avoid during a therapy session include: asking about other confidential conversations with other clients; showcasing violent emotions; or implying any romantic or sexual interest in your therapist. The number one job of a therapist is to keep you safe and protect their clients' privacy.

Is there anything you shouldn't say to a therapist?

Still, there may be a few things it can be best to avoid saying or doing during your first therapy session. For instance, it may be in your best interest not to tell your therapist lies or half-truths or to only talk about the facts of a situation without also discussing your feelings.

Should I tell my counselor everything?

The amount of information you share with a therapist is entirely up to you. After all, you're the client. Still, the more honest you are with your therapist, the better. Giving your therapist a window into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences provides them with context and details, so they can best help you.

Should I have a man or woman therapist?

The skillfulness, training, and experience of the therapist are important. So, I would say that ultimately sex or gender are not so important, but it can take a while to reach that understanding, and if you have a preference for a certain kind of person, go with that inclination. And always listen to your gut feelings.

Is therapy worth it for couples?

Fortunately, empirically-based couples therapy has demonstrated that couples therapy can create a positive change for 70% of couples. And these changes actually last. However, couples often do not seek research-based solutions to improve their relationship.

How do you avoid dual relationships in counseling?

How can you prevent dual relationships? To avoid dual relationships, it's important to follow ethical codes, educate yourself and your clients about the therapeutic relationship, and be aware of your values, motivations, and needs.

Do therapists miss clients between sessions?

Yes, definitely. Sometimes in a healthy and helpful way, and sometimes in an overabundant, unhealthy way. For example, sometimes a therapist will think about a client who is attending a loved one's funeral. They make a note of it to ask later how the client is feeling when it's their next appointment.

Why do therapists stop seeing patients?

There are various reasons a therapist might be unable to work with you, such as lacking expertise in a key area you need support with, what insurance they accept, or conflicts of interest. There are various reasons a therapist may refuse treatment. Although it may feel like rejection, it's typically not personal.

Why do I miss my therapist so much in between sessions?

It's pretty common to feel that way. That one hour you have with them is really sacred, and stirs up a lot of interesting thoughts and feelings. if you think you would benefit from more sessions, then definitely bring that forward.

How do I know when to change my therapist?

Whether you're considering it or not, here are a few signs it might be time to look for a new therapist.
  • You're Not Seeing Improvement. ...
  • Therapy Feels Too Impersonal. ...
  • It's Hard for You to Be Honest With Your Therapist. ...
  • They Don't Have the Experience You're Looking for. ...
  • They're Acting Inappropriately.

How do you know if your therapist is the right one?

Here are a few signs to look out for in a good therapeutic relationship: You feel heard / they listen to you: A therapist should be asking good questions that make you feel comfortable with them, but they should also demonstrate they are actively listening to your answers.

How do you tell your therapist you're switching?

You shouldn't ghost your dates, and you shouldn't ghost your therapist. Thompson recommends keeping your message simple but direct by calling (versus texting or emailing) and letting them know that you're going to look for someone else to work with. And don't worry, your therapist really won't take it personally.

What age is too late for therapy?

Therapy or counseling benefits anyone who's in need of a listening ear, compassion, a change in perspective, a change in behavior, self-awareness, or acceptance. Those needs don't go away when you hit 50 or 60 years of age. The key is that you need to be willing to change.

Do therapists feel sad when their clients end therapy?

One is where the therapy has been long-term and growthful and the therapist feels sadness, even grief, at the ending because the therapist has developed affection, even love toward the client. In some ways, psychotherapy is one of the most intimate relationship a therapist can have.

Can I stay with my therapist forever?

Your relationship with a therapist can be one of the most meaningful, insightful, and productive collaborations you'll have in your life. But it should ultimately come to an end — and that's by design. “Therapy isn't supposed to be forever,” says licensed therapist Keir Gaines. “There is an endpoint.”