What to Expect in Couples Therapy at Relationship Institute Utah
Starting couples therapy can feel uncertain especially if one partner is more hesitant than the other. Here's what a typical experience looks like when you work with us.
1
Your First Session
Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about your relationship history, what's brought you to therapy now, and what a successful outcome would look like for you. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready for. The goal of the first session is to establish safety and begin to understand the patterns at the heart of your struggle.
2
Ongoing Sessions
Most couples meet with their therapist once per week or every two weeks, for 50-minute sessions. Your therapist will guide structured conversations, teach practical communication and de-escalation skills, and help you process deeper emotional material in a way that's constructive rather than retraumatizing. You'll typically begin noticing shifts within 4–6 sessions, though deeper work particularly after infidelity or years of entrenched patterns may take longer.
3
Telehealth & In-Person Options
We offer both in-person sessions at our Salt Lake City office and secure telehealth sessions for couples who prefer to meet from home or are located elsewhere in Utah. Telehealth sessions are conducted via a HIPAA-compliant video platform and are just as effective as in-person therapy for most couples. If you're not sure which format is right for you, your therapist can help you decide.