Frequently Asked Questions Re: Couples Therapy
Q: Do I need to be married to seek assistance at Lindgren Marriage Therapy?
A: No, in this usage marriage is a descriptive term. Anyone in a long-term committed relationship can experience difficulty relating to his or her partner at some point in time. Lindgren Marriage Therapy serves any couple (married or not) who wants to resolve conflict and/or improve the quality of their relationship.
Q: What if I think my relationship is too far gone to be helped?
A: Sometimes, as a result of extended conflicts and built-up resentments, it is too late. However, if you are wondering about the state of your relationship, an assessment session can sometimes be useful. An assessment session is a one time, information gathering meeting with Vince. At the end of the assessment session Vince will make recommendations regarding future actions you might consider.
Q: My partner refuses to go to couples therapy; can I go by myself?
A: It makes no sense for one partner to attend couples therapy without the other. However, if there are problems in the relationship that one partner refuses to acknowledge or address, the other partner often needs assistance in examining the available options. In these cases, Vince will agree to see the concerned partner for individual therapy to explore those options.
Q: If I go to therapy, does it mean I am weak or crazy?
A: Seeking couples therapy is just like obtaining any other type of professional assistance. No one can be knowledgeable about every area of life, and knowing when to seek help is a strength that allows people to be successful in life. Although in some circles, there is a stigma attached to therapy services, the smart person seeks help when he/she needs it.
Q: We don’t fight with each other; we just don’t seem to talk anymore. Is couples therapy appropriate for us?
A: This is one of the most frequent complaints of people in long-term relationships – "We don’t talk anymore." Although this is not necessarily a sign of trouble in a relationship (sometimes it is simply a habit that couples fall into), it can often be a precursor to difficulty down the road. Often, simply discussing this issue with a professional can be enough to turn this behavioral habit around.
Q: Does Lindgren Marriage Therapy accept insurance payments?
A: Unfortunately, most third party insurance providers do not reimburse insurees for couples therapy. They typically will only reimburse treatment for mental health disorders. Therefore, Lindgren Marriage Therapy is a fee for service business ($120 per session).
Q: I would like to see a couple’s therapist, but it seems like a long difficult process. Aren’t some people in therapy for years?
A: Treatment for mental health disorders can be lengthy. However, couple’s therapy is different. Vince’s approach to therapy is short term. The typical couple can expect the course of treatment to last an average of 3-5 sessions.
Q: I am a very busy person, and so is my partner. Is it difficult to arrange an appointment time?
A: Vince operates on a flexible schedule which includes morning, afternoon, and evening times for therapy sessions. Typical session length is one hour. Usually, the initial therapy session can be scheduled within a couple of days after contacting Vince for an appointment.
Q: I have been to other therapists who were not helpful; what if Vince cannot help us either?
A: Vince recognizes that he cannot be of help to every couple. As a result, he immediately informs clients when he cannot help with their requests. He also encourages clients to be active participants in the treatment process. That is, he encourages them to evaluate whether therapy is working for them personally. If either Vince, or the couple, determine that therapy is not working, Vince will gladly provide a referral to another therapist and/or make other appropriate recommendations.