Making the decision to begin couples therapy is often the hardest part. Whether you’re struggling with communication, recovering from infidelity, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, reaching out for help can feel overwhelming.
At The Relationship Center, we know that many couples have questions before they ever schedule their first appointment. What happens when you call? Which clinician is right for us? What if one partner is nervous? This guide walks you through exactly what to expect so you can feel confident taking the first step.
Step 1: Decide You’re Ready to Reach Out
You don’t have to be on the verge of divorce to benefit from couples counseling.
Many couples begin therapy because they are experiencing:
- Frequent arguments
- Communication breakdowns
- Emotional distance
- Trust issues or infidelity
- Parenting disagreements
- Life transitions
- Premarital concerns
- Sexual intimacy challenges
The earlier couples seek help, the more opportunities they have to rebuild their connection before unhealthy patterns become deeply entrenched.
Step 2: Contact Our Intake Team
When you’re ready, reaching out is simple.
You can:
- Call our office at (757)788-2800
- Complete our online contact form
- Send us an email at info@relationship-center.com
Our Intake Coordinators are trained to make this process as comfortable as possible. You don’t need to have all the answers before contacting us.
During your conversation, we’ll ask a few basic questions to better understand your needs, including:
- Your names
- Whether you’re seeking couples therapy or another service
- Your availability
- Your preferred location or telehealth
- Insurance questions (if applicable)
- Any preferences you have for a therapist
Our goal isn’t to evaluate your relationship during this call—it’s simply to help match you with the clinician who is the best fit.
Step 3: We Match You With the Right Couples Therapist
Not every therapist specializes in every concern.
At The Relationship Center, we carefully consider factors such as:
- The issues you’re facing
- Therapist specialties
- Scheduling availability
- Personality fit
This personalized matching process helps set you up for success from the very beginning.
Step 4: Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation (Optional)
If you’re feeling unsure about starting couples therapy, you’re not alone. Many couples have questions before committing to their first session.
That’s why The Relationship Center offers an optional free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this brief conversation, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn more about the therapist’s approach to couples counseling
- Share a general overview of what brings you to therapy
- Ask questions about the therapy process
- Determine whether the therapist feels like a good fit for you and your relationship
A phone consultation is not a therapy session, and there’s no obligation to schedule afterward. It’s simply an opportunity to help you feel more comfortable and confident before taking the next step.
If you already know you’re ready to begin, you’re welcome to skip the consultation and schedule your first appointment right away. Our Intake Team will help you choose the option that feels right for you.
Step 5: Schedule Your First Appointment
Once you’ve decided to move forward—whether after a phone consultation or by scheduling directly—we’ll reserve your first couples therapy appointment.
We’ll also send you:
- Intake paperwork
- Consent forms
- Practice policies
- Instructions for completing everything online before your appointment
Completing these forms ahead of time allows your therapist to spend more time getting to know you rather than handling paperwork during your session.
Step 6: Each Partner Completes Their Own Intake Forms
One question we hear often is:
“Do we fill everything out together?”
The answer is no.
Each partner completes their own confidential intake paperwork and questionnaires. This allows each person to share their individual perspective before therapy begins.
Your therapist reviews both sets of information to gain a fuller understanding of your relationship.
Step 6: Prepare for Your First Couples Therapy Session
Many people worry they’ll be expected to tell their entire relationship story in one hour.
Fortunately, that’s not how it works.
During your first session, your therapist will typically:
- Learn about your relationship history
- Understand why you’re seeking therapy now
- Identify each partner’s goals
- Begin recognizing communication patterns
- Answer questions about the therapy process
This first appointment is about building understanding—not solving every problem immediately.
Common Questions Before Starting Couples Therapy
What if my partner is hesitant?
This is incredibly common. One partner often reaches out first. Encourage your partner by focusing on the shared goal of improving your relationship rather than assigning blame.
Will the therapist take sides?
A couples therapist’s role is not to determine who is right or wrong. Instead, they work to understand the relationship as a whole and help both partners communicate more effectively. With couples therapy, the relationship is the client.
How long does couples therapy take?
Every relationship is unique. Some couples achieve their goals in a few months, while others choose longer-term support. Your therapist will discuss recommendations based on your specific situation.
Can we attend virtually?
Yes. Many couples appreciate the convenience of secure telehealth sessions, while others prefer meeting in person. Our intake team can discuss the options available to you.
Taking the First Step Can Change Everything
Beginning couples therapy doesn’t mean your relationship has failed—it means you’re investing in it.
Every healthy relationship requires care, attention, and sometimes professional guidance. Whether you’re hoping to repair trust, reconnect emotionally, or simply communicate better, taking that first step can open the door to meaningful change.
If you’re ready to begin couples therapy in Virginia, our Intake Team is here to guide you through every step of the process. From your first phone call to your first appointment, we’ll help make getting started as simple and supportive as possible.
Ready to get started? Contact The Relationship Center today to schedule your first couples counseling appointment.
