You’ve taken the steps to begin relationship counseling. Maybe you’re both ready to work through communication issues, or perhaps one partner is dealing with personal challenges that are affecting the relationship. Whatever the reason, starting relationship counseling can feel intimidating and uncertain. You might not know what to expect or how it will benefit your relationship. That’s why I wrote this blog—to explain how I approach relationship counseling in Atlanta, GA, and what you can expect from the process. My goal is to help you better understand relationship counseling so you can feel more at ease and prepared.
How Often are Sessions and How Long Do They Last?
First off, let me assure you that the frequency and length of sessions will be tailored to your needs. Typically, sessions are scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This allows for consistency and progress in therapy. However, if needed, we can schedule more frequent sessions. As for the duration of each session, it usually lasts between 50-60 minutes. This may seem like a short amount of time, but trust me, it’s enough time to cover important topics and make meaningful progress.
However, I also offer marital intensives for couples who prefer longer, more focused sessions. These intensives can range from a half-day to multiple days and are designed to address specific issues in the relationship in a more intensive and efficient manner. For instance, if you feel as if you and your partner need a deep dive into communication techniques or trust-building exercises, an intensive session may be the best option for you.
What Makes Relationship Counseling Effective?
Now, you may be wondering how talking to someone about your relationship problems can actually make a difference. The truth is, relationship counseling is not just about talking. It’s a collaborative process where both partners are involved in identifying and addressing issues in the relationship. A lot of couples ask me how to make the most out of their counseling sessions. My advice is always the same – be open, honest, and willing to listen and work on yourself. Because the worst results comes from couples who show up and use counseling for pain relief.
In the moment, it can feel good to be heard and validated. But if couples do not use this as an opportunity to create lasting change within themselves, the same problems will keep resurfacing. That’s why you need to be ready to work on actual issues and learn new skills to improve your relationship.
How Are Sessions Structured?
If you’ve never been to relationship counseling, you may not know what to expect. At my practive, Faith and Family Empowerment, the first session I like to use it as a time to get to know each other. This is an opportunity for me to understand your relationship and its history, as well as any specific concerns or goals you may have. It’s also a chance for you to get comfortable with me and the counseling process. For instance, this is where you can tell me that you’re wanting to work on communication. Or that you’re struggling with trust. This information helps me personalize the sessions to fit your needs and goals.
The second session, I will meet with each of you individually. This might surprise you, but hear me out. As your marriage counselor, I want to learn more about you as an individual but also hear your side of the story. Maybe you don’t want to say certain things in front of your partner, or maybe you have a different perspective on the issues at hand. This is completely confidential and just between us. It’s important for me to understand each person’s thoughts and feelings in order to provide effective guidance and support. In subsequent sessions, we will typically focus on one issue at a time. This allows us to dive deep into the specific dynamics, patterns, and behaviors that are impacting your relationship. We may use techniques like communication exercises, role-playing, or guided discussions to help you and your partner better understand each other’s perspectives and find solutions.
I Will Use Evidence Based Methods to Help You and Your Partner Find Success in Your Relationship
As a licensed marriage counselor, my goal is to provide you and your partner with evidence-based methods and techniques that have been proven to be effective in improving relationships. This means that I will use a combination of research-backed approaches and my own expertise to guide our sessions and help you find success in your relationship. I like to use the Gottman checklist to assess the current state of your relationship and identify areas that need improvement. This checklist helps me understand your communication patterns, emotions, and conflicts so we can work on them together.
I also love incorporating evidence-based techniques to help couples strengthen their bond. One of my favorites is Gottman’s “6 hours a week to a better relationship.” It’s all about carving out intentional time each week for activities that build connection, understanding, and positivity. I’ve seen it work wonders for improving communication and deepening relationships. During our sessions, we’ll also focus on healthy communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. My goal is to help you address current challenges while giving you the tools to handle whatever comes your way in the future.
How Long Does Counseling Take?
The length of relationship counseling can vary depending on the couple’s needs and progress. Some couples may only need a few sessions to address their issues and learn new skills. Others may benefit from longer-term counseling as they navigate more complex problems. On average, I recommend committing to at least 8-10 sessions weekly or bi-weekly. This is when I see the best results and progress in couples. You might look at that and think, “That seems like a lot of time and money.” But investing in your relationship is priceless. Think about all the time, energy, and resources you have already put into your relationship. Isn’t it worth giving it a little more to ensure its health and happiness? Plus, the momentum and sustained practices is necessary for you to see lasting change in your relationship.
To give you a glimpse of why the number of sessions matters, in our work together, we will build your unique conflict cycle. Why would we do this? So you can gain awareness into how your reactions in conflict hinder your communication. Once you have this awareness, we can then work on building new skills to change your reactions and break the cycle. This takes time and practice, which is why it’s important to commit to regular sessions. Because once we figure out the cycle, we can then work on a structure for better communucation. This can look like taking 5 minutes to cool off then come back to the conversation, practicing active listening, using “I” statements instead of “You” statements, and so much more. The key is repetition and consistently implementing these skills in your relationship.
How Can We Prepare for Relationship Counseling?
Preparing for relationship counseling in Atlanta, GA can involve a few key steps to help you and your partner get the most out of your sessions. Firstly, it’s important to have an open mindset and be willing to actively participate in the process. This means being open to learning new skills and strategies, as well as being vulnerable and honest with yourself and your partner. Remember: no secrets. They might not seem like a big deal now, but when they surface, they can undo all the progress you’ve made. Transparency is key. Because what happens when you’ve made all this progress then you find out your partner has kept something from you? It all comes undone. So let’s make sure we’re starting off on the right foot. It can also be helpful to set some goals for your counseling sessions. So, take time before your first session to think about your goals. What do you want to get out of therapy? What issues or conflicts do you want to tackle?
Knowing what you’d like to focus on can help guide your sessions and make the most of your time. It’s also a good idea for both partners to reflect individually on their needs, wants, and boundaries before the first session. This clarity can make a big difference for each of you. Another important aspect to consider is the timing of your counseling sessions. Couples counseling can be emotionally intense, and it’s important to give yourself and your partner some space and time to process everything that may come up during or after a session. Plan for some downtime afterwards, whether it’s taking a walk together or just having a quiet evening at home. This will allow you both to decompress and reflect on what was discussed in the session.
Move Forward Together
Relationship counseling is not a quick fix, and it takes commitment from both partners to make progress. Working on a relationship does take time and effort, but working through challenges with the support of a marriage counselor in Atlanta, GA can lead to a stronger and happier partnership. You can work through issues together, but remember, this is an investment. A successful relationship is worth the work. It just takes time, effort, and patience.
Ready for Relationship Counseling in Atlanta, GA?
If you’re ready to take the next step in improving your relationship, consider seeking relationship counseling in Atlanta, GA. By working with a marriage counselor, you can gain valuable insights and tools to help navigate challenges and strengthen your bond with your partner. At Faith and Family Empowerment, our founder, William Hemphill, is dedicated to helping couples build healthy and thriving relationships. Through in-person and online therapy options for marriage counseling, we offer a safe and supportive space for couples to work through their issues and find healing. Our practice in Decatur, GA, is a place where you can find compassionate and experienced marriage counseling. When you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to get started:
- Contact me to schedule your initial appointment.
- Learn more about my services and approach.
- Invest in your relationship and your future together!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Your relationship might not be the only aspect of your life that needs support. At Faith and Family Empowerment, we also offer a variety of in-person and online therapy services. These include premarital counseling and discernment counseling. Other mental health services include: Online Therapy, Christian Counseling, Depression Support Groups, and Counseling for Affair Recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!
About the Author 
William Hemphill is a trusted therapist in Decatur, GA, with over 20 years of experience guiding couples through the journey of reconnecting and strengthening their marriages. If you’re considering counseling but aren’t sure what to expect, William offers a supportive and personalized approach that focuses on rebuilding communication, trust, and connection. Through marital intensives tailored to your unique needs, you’ll gain practical tools to navigate challenges and foster a healthier relationship. As the founder of Faith and Family Empowerment, William understands the struggles couples face and offers compassionate guidance every step of the way. Ready to take the first step? Reach out today to learn how counseling can help you and your partner thrive.