Before couple counselling commences, a couple is invited to an initial assessment.
An assessment for couple counselling is often four sessions – and this time allows the couple to give a full overview of their relationship problems to the therapist, allows the therapist offers some helpful, information-gathering questions, and allows all three the opportunity to discuss if they can work together to achieve the focus discovered and set by the assessment.
The four sessions are divided as follows:-
- Session one: all three meet to give an overview of the problems, and begin to discuss what might be an approach for couple counselling.
- Session two: one partner meets with the counsellor on their own.
- Session three: as session two, but with the other partner.
- Session four: all three meet again to discuss what was learned in the previous three sessions… and to see if a focus for couple counselling can be agreed.
Sometimes the assessment can be enough to dislodge the couple into continuing their relationship work on their own.
Sometimes the couple continue meeting with the counsellor.
If the couple and therapist agree not to proceed into therapy a referral may be made to another therapist.
Click for full details about an assessment for couples counselling.