Couple’s Counseling with Confidence: Part 8 – How Important are Meeting Frequency and Consistency?

Beginning couple’s counseling, one of the most common questions couples have is about the frequency of sessions and the duration required to see meaningful results. On average, relationship counseling tends to involve 10 to 15 sessions spread over two to four months. However, depending on the unique needs of the couple, this can extend up to six months. Typically, couples find themselves meeting with their therapist either weekly or bi-weekly.

The Importance of Frequency in Couple’s Counseling

One crucial yet often overlooked factor in couple’s counseling is the therapist’s availability. It’s a pet peeve of mine when therapists begin working with a couple without having the necessary time or availability to see them regularly. Before the first session, therapists should be upfront about whether they can meet you at a clinically indicated frequency.

Finding the Right Frequency

Determining the ideal frequency of couple’s counseling sessions can be challenging. However, for most couples, weekly meetings offer the most benefit, especially during the initial phase of counseling. Why is this important? Well, when sessions are scheduled too far apart – like every three weeks or once a month – it becomes easy for couples to revert to old patterns. Infrequent meetings can lead to forgetting what was discussed in previous sessions or frustration due to the slower pace of improvement.

Setting Expectations Before You Begin Couple’s Counseling

It’s vital that before you attend your first session, you discuss the frequency of future sessions with your therapist. Aim to meet at least every two weeks, but ideally once a week, to make the most out of your counseling experience. This consistency will help maintain momentum and foster meaningful progress in your relationship journey.

The frequency of sessions in couple’s counseling plays a significant role in the success of the therapy. Couples should be proactive in ensuring their therapist can commit to regular meetings, setting the stage for a fruitful counseling experience. Remember, it’s an investment in your relationship’s future, so be sure to give it the time and commitment it deserves.

Be sure to check out Part 8 of my Couple’s Counseling with Confidence series, in which I discuss how you can submit both in-network and out-of-network health insurance claims for couple’s counseling!