Couples therapy can be a transformative and insightful experience offering valuable tools to improve your relationship. But what happens when the sessions come to an end and you no longer need to see your therapist every week? It’s common for couples to feel a little nervous about life after therapy However, it’s important to remember that while therapy provides a safe space and valuable strategies it’s the couples who build connections and nurture their relationships. In this article, we’ll look at a few strategies you can implement to continue progress after couples therapy
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Set goals at the end of therapy
Goals are crucial not only during but also after couples therapy. Goals will give you and your partner a sense of direction as you prepare to close therapy. Set clear goals that align with the issues you addressed in therapy. It could be anything from improving communication to spending quality time. Discuss these goals openly with your partner and make plans to act on them.
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Cultivate appreciation and gratitude
One of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship is mutual appreciation and gratitude among partners. Even simple acts of gratitude like saying thank you to acknowledge your partner’s efforts can create an atmosphere of respect and safety in your relationship. Mutual appreciation can also make it easier to resolve conflicts
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Apply learnings from therapy
The good thing about couples therapy is that it provides you with practical tools to apply in everyday life. Make a note and consciously continue implementing these tools for sustained growth, whether it’s active listening or using ‘I statements’ to express your feelings. Using these tools ensures that you don’t revert to unhelpful communication patterns.
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Keep the supportive conversations going
The end goal of couples therapy is to enhance communication between couples and encourage them to create a safe environment in their relationships. Make time to have regular open and candid conversations with each other. Comfort each other using active listening, validation, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Such conversations can help address conflicts and enhance emotional intimacy.
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Maintain accountability
Accountability is essential to maintaining progress after therapy. Don’t hesitate to take responsibility for your actions and their consequences in the relationship. Ultimately, it takes efforts from both partners to make sustained progress, so continue to support each other even during slip-ups. Accountability shows your commitment towards your partner and the relationship.
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Celebrate wins
Couples therapy and change take hard work Remember to acknowledge and celebrate your efforts and progress no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s managing a conflict effectively or having open conversations, celebrating small wins can help you reflect on your growth as a couple while motivating you for the future.
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Self-care
While your relationship is a priority, it’s also important to take time for personal care in the form of exercise, hobbies, diet and good sleep. A relationship is made of two individuals, and it can thrive only when both partners feel emotionally and physically healthy with each other.
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Continue check-in sessions
Even though couples therapy may have ended, you can always return to your therapist for check-in sessions to track your progress, revisit your goals or work through any new issues that might arise in between. These sessions don’t have to be frequent but can be scheduled as per your needs and comfort. Check-in sessions can offer confidence and added support when required
Conclusion:
It’s normal to feel nervous when couples therapy ends. However, the end of therapy does not have to be the end of your growth as a couple. By setting goals, cultivating appreciation, celebrating wins, taking accountability and seeking support when needed, couples can continue progress even without therapy. The key is to be committed and willing to support each other through challenges to create a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
References:
- Counseling, G. (2023, May 23). Maintaining Your Relationship After Couples Therapy | Texas. Grace Counseling. https://www.grace-counseling.com/rehab-blog/how-to-maintain-your-relationship-after-couples-therapy/
- Fead-Bush, J. (2024, February 5). Maintain The Progress: Expert Tips For After Couples Therapy. Choya Wise | Aspire Counseling and Consulting Services. https://aspirecounselingal.com/maintain-the-progress-expert-tips-for-after-couples-therapy/
