Relationship therapist Tiffany Brest listens to a couple in a relationship therapy session

Relationship therapy helps people in relationships build more trusting, supportive, and fulfilling connections with each other. Despite its growing popularity, many people have misconceptions about relationship therapy. Here are the most common myths we hear; Relationship therapy is only for people who are married, in long-term relationships, or in crisis, and it focuses on the negative and taking sides.

Five common myths about relationship therapy

Distraction is not a helpful coping strategy for negative thoughts and emotions

Distraction can be a helpful strategy but it can create problems if you use it to manage all your negative thinking and emotions.

The downsides of distraction

Sally-Kemp-helping-her-client-tackle-his-negative-thinking

Are you caught in a cycle of negative thinking, dwelling on past mistakes, worrying about the future? Try tackling your negative thinking with thought challenging and cognitive de-fusion.

Tackling negative thinking: Two approaches to break the cycle

Women are at greater risk of anxiety than men in Australia

Learn to manage your anxiety by identifying your unhelpful thinking styles and developing more balanced, realistic ways of interpreting the situation.

Overcoming anxiety’s unhelpful thinking styles

A client is reflecting on her sessions by writing notes on her tablet and reading recommended self-help books.

Psychological therapy can greatly enhance well-being. These five tips can maximize its benefits: create space before and after your psychology sessions for reflection, clarify your goals , extend reflection outside of sessions to recognize patterns, actively participate in applying insights, and be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.

Our five top tips to get the most out of your psychology sessions

Clinical Psychologist Ronit Joel is smiling and encouraging a new client in his first session.

Booking a first psychology session is a significant step. The first session is an opportunity for clients to establish rapport with the psychologist, discuss current concerns, receive feedback and treatment options, and plan the therapy process. Psychologists strive to help you make decisions that are right for you.

Getting started: Your first psychology session