Have you ever wondered about the health of your relationship?
At McCaskill Family Servies, we believe that relationship health is physical and mental health.
Did you know that healthy & satisfying relationship can:
- Decrease the likelihood of experiencing a broad range of psychological, behavioral, and physical disorders for the entire family.
- Improve our immune system functioning & engagement with positive health maintenance behaviors (e.g., feeding our bodies & sleeping enough, going to the doctor regularly, engaging in regular movement, etc.)
- Reduce depression symptoms & lower risk for suicidal thoughts and actions
- Reduce PTSD symptoms & improve treatment effectiveness for those struggling with substance use
- Increase the likelihood of a secure attachment and overall functioning in kids
- Reduce the risk for behavioral problems and concerns in children
- Decrease the risk of using or experiencing relationship violence
How can a Relationship "Checkup" help my relationship?
A Relationship Checkup will help you and your partner:
- Identify your relationship's strengths, patterns, and areas of concern
- Learn useful, specific suggestions and practical solutions for potential issues
- Grow towards deeper understanding, connection, and long-lasting relationship health
But why would I do this if I am happy with my partner?
Would you only go to the dentist when you have an infected cavity? No! Most people go to the dentist on an annual basis for preventative cleanings and regular maintenance of our dental hygiene. The good news is that you do not need to wait until you are unhappy in your relationship to check in on the health of your relationship! A relationship checkup is designed to benefit all couples, regardless of background or level of relationship satisfaction. In fact, regular maintenance of your relationship can go a long way in preventing future problems.
So do for relationship health what regular dental or health checkups do for the health of our teeth and bodies---Get your relationship "checked out" with a relationship professional on an annual basis!
....so what IS a Relationship Checkup?
A Relationship Checkup is a way to care for your relationship health. Just like you get regular tune ups for your car, a regular tune up for your relationship can keep it running smoothly. It is a two-session counseling intervention designed to prevent relationship health deterioration, intervene early before you become severely distressed, and lower barriers to treatment for couples who are severely distressed.
Overview of the Checkup Process
First, you and your partner each independently complete a brief questionnaire. Next, you and your partner will schedule a time to meet with a relationship checkup professional (in-person or virtually) to discuss your relationship history, patterns, strengths, and areas of concern. After this appointment, your provider will create a personalized relationship report. Finally, you both meet with your relationship checkup professional again to review your report and receive feedback on how to maintain relationship strengths and address concerns in your relationship.
In ONLY 2 appointments, you and your partner can build on an already strong foundation and/or start patching major cracks in your relationship!!
If you and your partner are experiencing relationship distress, a relationship checkup can be a good first step towards working with a professional to repair/restore your relationship health. Your relationship checkup professional may recommend engagement in on-going couples' treatment, as appropriate.
