Making Long Distance Relationships Work With Online Couples Counseling
Sustaining a fulfilling relationship can be challenging enough without the complications of physical separation. For long distance couples, the strain of miles or borders dividing you can add an extra layer of difficulty. This is where leveraging online couples counseling to strengthen bonds and communication can help.
Benefits of Online Counseling for Long Distance Couples
Online counseling offers several advantages that make it uniquely suited for addressing long distance relationship issues, including:
- Easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
- Flexible scheduling that works across different time zones
- Privacy to open up about relationship issues from a comfortable space
- Develop improved communication and conflict resolution skills
With specialized training in common long distance challenges, online therapists empower couples to foster intimacy despite geographic separations.
Common Long Distance Relationship Problems Online Counseling Can Help
Some of the most frequent long distance relationship problems that online couples counseling helps resolve include:
- Lack of physical intimacy - Develop emotional and intellectual connections to compensate
- Declining communication - Improve quality and consistency of communication
- Jealousy or trust issues - Address underlying insecurities or suspicions
- Conflicting priorities - Align expectations and shared vision of relationship
Finding the Right Online Couples Counselor
Discovering a compassionate, experienced online counselor attuned to the unique needs of long distance couples is vital for making progress.
Credentials to Look for in an Online Couples Counselor
Be sure any online couples counselor under consideration has:
- A valid counseling license in their state
- In-depth training in relationship counseling approaches
- Specialized expertise helping long distance couples
- Strong client reviews demonstrating success helping couples
Best Online Platforms Offering Couples Counseling
Some of top sites connecting clients with qualified, vetted online couples counselors include:
- Regain - Specialize in relationship counseling for all types of couples
- Couples Therapy Inc - Focus specifically on intensive couples therapy
- Relationship Hero - Match couples with therapists adept at online counseling
- Hope Couples - Offer customized romantic getaways paired with therapy
Each platform has search filters to easily find experts in long distance relationship issues.
What to Expect From Online Couples Counseling Sessions
Online counseling empowers couples to improve connections from the comfort of their own home. Most therapists today use video conferencing platforms for sessions.
Common Online Couples Counseling Approaches
Depending on your unique situation, online counselors may integrate approaches like:
- Gottman Method - Improve friendship, manage conflict better
- Emotionally Focused Therapy - Strengthen attachment and bonds
- Discernment Counseling - Assess degree relationships can heal or if dissolution is healthier path forward
Typical Online Couples Counseling Session Structure
While each counselor is different, a typical online couples therapy session may involve:
- Checking in on progress since last session
- Discussing any major updates or emotional triggers that occurred
- Learning new communication or conflict resolution techniques to practice
- Agreeing on manageable takeaways to work on before next meeting
Having both partners fully present and engaged during sessions is vital.
Making Online Couples Counseling Successful
Like any therapy, to achieve change couples must commit to the process with consistent effort and openness to growth.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Online Couples Counseling
Some tips to bolster online couples counseling success include:
- Complete any "homework" exercises assigned between sessions
- Identify personal areas for improvement, not just partner's issues
- Commit to weekly sessions for at least 3-6 months
- Implement counselor suggestions for better communication
Signs Online Couples Counseling Is Working
Noticeable improvements signaling online counseling progress may be:
- Arguments have less intensity or frequency
- Feeling more empathy, optimism about relationship
- Making time to nurture intimacy in all forms
- Joint decision making and problem solving improves
While challenging, online couples counseling facilitates deeper connections for long distance partners through better understanding and emotional intelligence.
FAQs
How does online counseling work for long distance couples?
Online couples counseling uses video conferencing technology to conduct remote therapy sessions. Couples can access counseling from the privacy of their own homes, regardless of location.
What techniques do online counselors use?
Approaches like Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Discernment Counseling help foster better communication, manage conflicts, strengthen bonds, and evaluate relationships.
How much does online couples counseling cost?
Costs vary depending on the provider, counselor level, and session length. Expect to invest $75-$150 per week. Some insurance plans may partially cover online therapy.
How long until you see results?
Improvements can occur quickly but changing entrenched patterns takes time. Commit to the process for at least 3-6 months to cement positive changes through ongoing practice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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