General information only. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from a licensed professional.
It's normal for one or both partners to feel nervous before a first couples session. Knowing what to expect can make it easier.
Getting to know you both
The counselor will usually ask what brings you in, how you met, what is going well, and what you would each like to change. Each partner gets a chance to speak.
Ground rules and safety
Many counselors explain how sessions work, how they handle confidentiality between partners, and what happens if conversations get heated. Some meet with each partner individually once early on.
Talking about faith
If you have chosen a Christian counselor, they may ask how important faith is to each of you and whether you'd like prayer or scripture included. You can both say what you are comfortable with.
Questions you can ask
How do you usually work with couples? How long might this take? What will you expect from us between sessions? How do you stay fair to both of us?
If you ever feel unsafe at home
Joint couples counseling is not usually recommended where there is abuse. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or call 911 in an emergency.