Couples and Relationships
What Happens in a First Couples Therapy Session
Learn how Azia Carter begins couples sessions, hears both perspectives, and develops goals with partners.
Start with what brought you in
In a first couples session, I ask what led you to seek support and what each partner would like to address. You do not need a polished account of your relationship. A recent disagreement, a change in trust or uncertainty about talking together can give us a starting point.
Both perspectives belong in the conversation
Partners often describe the same event differently. I make room for those differences instead of asking one person to prove their version. I may ask how an exchange began, what you noticed and what happened next. The aim is to understand the interaction, including each person's contribution.
We look beyond the latest argument
I also ask about your relationship history and the pressures affecting it now. Work demands, family expectations or moving in together may change how you respond to each other. In couples therapy, these details help connect the immediate disagreement with the wider context of your lives.
Goals can be specific and still develop
You might want to discuss money without criticism, feel heard during a disagreement or address hurt after a rupture. I help turn broad concerns into clear goals for our work. The first meeting does not require deciding every priority; we can return to goals as your needs become clearer.
When therapy can help
A first appointment can be useful when you want structure around conversations that keep becoming tense or unfinished. Support for relationship issues includes communication and trust concerns as well as early relationship changes. If one partner wants a separate conversation about their own patterns, individual therapy is an option.
How I work with this
I draw on EFT and the Gottman Method, asking about emotional needs alongside habits of communication. I may slow an exchange so each person can explain its meaning. Couples appointments last 60 minutes and cost $250, with weekly sessions in Manhattan or online while both partners are in New York State.
Questions About This Topic
Should we prepare a list of complaints?+
A few concerns can be useful, but I do not need an exhaustive list. One concrete example often gives us more to explore than many accusations.
What if I become emotional during the meeting?+
Feelings can be part of the conversation. I can help slow the discussion and make room for what you want your partner to understand.
Can we ask about the approach before booking?+
You can ask about sessions during a free 15-minute phone consultation. Evening appointments are available, and we can discuss which format you prefer.