Spouse Participation in Therapy/Counseling

[Stoneman60]

My challenge is emotional reactivity, something that impacts my relationship with my wife. How common is it for the non ADHD spouse to participate in therapy/coaching? My therapist is not eager to include her in my sessions, but I don't see how therapy can be effective without my wife's participation. Especially given that my ability to recall events is spotty at best and thus one sided. My psychiatrist wants to include her in at least one session but not the therapist. This strikes me as odd. Interested in other's experiences.

[BlueDaydreamer]

Did you ask your therapist why he/she didn't want to include your wife? I think that is an important question. Maybe he/she is afraid that your wife would feel that since this is YOUR therapist, that she will be railroaded, or treated unfairly. Perhaps you should see a different therapist just for couples therapy. I think they should be familiar with couples and also familiar with ADHD. If money is an issue (like it is for a lot of us), you could skip your therapist for a week each time you see the couple's therapist. And if you want them to be more up to speed, you COULD (not sure how this will be received) have your current therapist forward some notes at your request to your couple's therapist. Just a thought. I would run the idea by your therapist after asking her why she objects. And who he/she would recommend for couple's therapy. One thing your regular therapist may be concerned that you are not ready for couple's therapy yet..... Take care!