How to Talk to Your Partner About Starting Couples Therapy: Tips From a Couples Therapist
Deciding to start couples therapy is a significant step in any relationship, and bringing up the topic with your partner can be daunting. You might worry about how they’ll react, whether they’ll feel criticized, or if they’ll be open to the idea. However, approaching the conversation thoughtfully and compassionately can help you both see therapy as a positive and constructive step toward improving your relationship. If your partner is resistant to the idea of couples therapy in Miami-Dade, FL, here you can find some ideas.
How to Approach the Conversation of Couples Therapy With Your Partner
1. Choose the Right Time and Place
Timing is crucial when bringing up the idea of couples therapy. It’s important to have this conversation when you’re both calm and free from distractions. Avoid initiating the discussion during or immediately after an argument, as emotions might be running high, making it difficult to have a productive conversation.
How to do it: Find a quiet moment when you’re both relaxed, such as after dinner or during a weekend walk. This can help create a safe and open environment. One where your partner feels comfortable engaging in a serious discussion.
2. Frame the Conversation Positively
When suggesting couples therapy, it’s essential to frame it in a way that doesn’t make your partner feel blamed or criticized. The goal is to present therapy as a mutual opportunity for growth rather than a solution to a problem with them alone.
How to do it: Start by expressing your love and commitment to the relationship. For example, you could say, “I really value our relationship, and I want us to be as happy as possible together. I think couples therapy could help us strengthen our connection and work through any challenges we’re facing.”
By focusing on the positives and the potential benefits of couples therapy, you can help your partner see it as an opportunity to improve the relationship, rather than a sign of failure or something that only “troubled” couples need.
3. Express Your Feelings Honestly
It’s important to be honest about why you’re considering couples therapy. Share your feelings openly, but do so in a way that emphasizes your desire for mutual growth and understanding.
How to do it: You might say something like, “I’ve been feeling a bit disconnected lately, and it worries me because I care so much about us. I think talking to a therapist could help us understand each other better and bring us closer.”
By expressing your feelings and concerns openly, your partner is more likely to see the request as coming from a place of love and concern for the relationship, rather than as an attack or criticism.
4. Acknowledge Their Feelings and Concerns
Your partner may have concerns or reservations about couples therapy, and it’s important to acknowledge and validate those feelings. They might feel anxious about the process, worry about being judged, or feel like therapy implies that the relationship is in serious trouble.
How to do it: If your partner expresses hesitation, listen carefully and try to understand their perspective. You could respond with, “I understand that the idea of therapy might be uncomfortable, and I’m not suggesting this because I think we’re in serious trouble. I just believe it could help us communicate better and strengthen our relationship.”
By validating their feelings and showing empathy, you create a space where your partner feels heard and understood, making them more likely to consider the idea of therapy.
5. Provide Reassurance and Information
Sometimes, the uncertainty about what couples therapy involves can be a barrier. Providing your partner with information about what to expect can help demystify the process and make it feel less intimidating.
How to do it: Explain that couples therapy isn’t about assigning blame or pointing fingers; it’s about working together to improve the relationship. You could say, “Couples therapy is a safe space where we can talk openly with a neutral third party who can help us understand each other better. It’s not about who’s right or wrong, but about finding ways to be happier together.”
If your partner has specific concerns, such as cost, time commitment, or finding the right therapist, address these directly. Offer to research couples therapists together, discuss how you can fit therapy into your schedule, and explore options that work for both of you.
6. Be Patient and Open to Discussion
After you bring up the idea of couples therapy, your partner may need time to process the suggestion. They might not agree right away, or they might have questions and concerns that need to be addressed.
How to do it: Give your partner space to think about the idea and be open to ongoing discussions. You could say, “I know this is a big step, and I don’t expect you to decide right now. Let’s think about it and talk more when you’re ready.”
Being patient and understanding shows that you respect your partner’s feelings and are willing to work together to make the best decision for your relationship.
Moving Forward Together: Embracing the Journey of Couples Therapy
Talking to your partner about starting couples therapy can be a delicate conversation, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. By choosing the right time, framing the conversation positively, expressing your feelings honestly, and being patient and understanding, you can open the door to a productive discussion about how therapy with Noelia Leite, PhD, LMFT could benefit your relationship. Remember, the goal is to strengthen your bond and create a healthier, happier partnership—together.
Strengthen Your Relationship With Couples Therapy in Miami-Dade, FL
Take the first step toward a stronger relationship by initiating a conversation with your partner about couples therapy. Express your love and commitment, and frame therapy with Noelia Leite, PhD, LMFT as a positive opportunity for growth together. If you’re ready to begin the journey toward a deeper connection, follow these three simple steps to get started:
Learn more about me as a couples therapist and about my services.
Begin strengthening your relationship through couples therapy!
Other Therapy Services Offered by Noelia Leite in Miami-Dade and throughout Florida
At my Florida practice, I offer a comprehensive range of therapy services to support your holistic well-being. In addition to specializing in Couples Therapy to help you and your partner strengthen your relationship, I provide trauma therapy, grief therapy, codependency therapy, and more. I also offer a variety of therapeutic interventions to address anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties, ensuring that each therapy session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're facing specific challenges or seeking personal growth and empowerment, I am dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance on your journey toward healing and well-being. Reach out today to begin your journey to a happier life.
About The Author
Dr. Noelia Leite is an experienced integrative psychotherapist and relationship expert, with a focus on couples therapy, trauma recovery, sex addiction, and emotional healing. She is dedicated to helping couples navigate complex emotional challenges, including betrayal, trust restoration, and communication difficulties. Dr. Leite also offers compassionate support to individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues, empowering them to grow and heal. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with a client-centered focus, fostering personal growth and stronger relationships.
Dr. Leite holds a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health, as well as a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Health Psychology. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a certified sex addiction therapist, and a specialist in betrayal trauma therapy. Additionally, she has advanced certifications in clinical hypnotherapy, yoga instruction, yoga therapy, and biopsychology. As a state supervisor, Dr. Leite also mentors and guides other mental health professionals.
With extensive experience across multiple countries, Dr. Leite has worked with individuals, couples, families, professionals, and groups in diverse multicultural settings, including universities, hospitals, community mental health centers, and both public and private sectors. Her expertise is recognized in the academic community through her contributions to scientific research and peer-reviewed publications.
Based in Miami, FL, Dr. Leite offers both in-person and online sessions. Her mission is to help individuals, couples, and professionals break free from toxic relationships, negative thought patterns, and unresolved trauma, ultimately enhancing mental and physical well-being. For more information about Dr. Leite’s services, click here.
