Couple's Therapy
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Every couple wants 3 things:
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They want their partner to validate their pain.
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They want their efforts to be acknowledged.
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They want to be loved.
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Couples counselling can be a helpful tool for improving communication, respect, safety, cooperation, and intimacy in a relationship. The goal is to identify negative cycles and perceptions that may be causing problems and work together to make appropriate changes. It's important to remember that therapy is not about fixing the other partner, but rather about working together as a team. Don't wait until problems become serious before seeking help.
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Couples counselling is a structured process that helps partners create a healthy relationship. It begins with an intake to collect basic information about the relationship and the partners, develop a rapport with the therapist, and create goals. The therapy process includes ongoing learning and practices to help each partner understand their own and their partner's needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings while validating and empathizing with each other. Couples are also encouraged to express positive feelings which strengthen trust and support healthier relationships.
It is not uncommon for couples to suspect they need help from a therapist in order to address stuck patterns and other relationship difficulties, but be unsure about how to proceed.
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The following are common issues that indicate a couple could potentially benefit from seeking couples counselling:
Communication Issues
Couples counselling can be a great way to address communication issues in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Over time, unhealthy communication styles can develop, leading to difficulties in connecting and feeling intimate. With the help of a therapist, couples can learn effective communication skills to better express their thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs.
Premarital Counselling
Seeking counselling before couples marry or move in together can be a valuable tool for couples who want to build a strong foundation for their relationship. By addressing potentially difficult topics such as finances, parenting, faith, politics, scheduling, household duties, relationships with others, step-families, and work, couples can avoid future conflicts and work together to achieve their marital goals. Through counselling, couples can develop positive communication and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their relationship.
Physical Intimacy & Sexuality
Problems with physical intimacy are common in relationships, and couples counseling can help. With a gentle and integrative approach, the therapist can guide you to talk about sex in an accepting and non-judgmental manner. Physical intimacy is an important part of a healthy relationship and can be nurturing, but it can also trigger anxiety, anger, and embarrassment. Gain better knowledge about physical intimacy and sexuality and learn to listen to each other with the help of a therapist.
Infidelity and Unfaithfulness
Infidelity can be a devastating experience for couples, causing confusion, anxiety, and guilt. However, with the help of a therapist, couples can work through their issues and repair their relationship. It takes courage to face what happened and actively participate in the healing process. Remember, regaining trust and intimacy will take time, but it's possible. Couples sometimes find that their relationship is more satisfying than it was before the affair because problems that preceded the affair are addressed.
Managing Other Relationships
In any relationship, it's important to recognize that both partners have connections with other people, for example with parents, children from previous relationships, or friend groups. These connections can have an have more or less positive impacts on the relationship, which is why it's important to practice healthy communication, assertiveness, and boundaries. By doing so, couples can navigate these relationships and strengthen their bond with each other.
Trust Issues
Lack of trust, which can result from broken promises and commitments, can be detrimental to any relationship. However, through therapy, couples can address and analyze trust issues in their relationship. By working together, couples can rebuild their relationship and re-establish trust.
Couples counseling can be a powerful tool for addressing issues that often interfere with partners feeling safe and secure in a relationship. Waiting too long to seek help can make repairing the relationship more difficult. The good news is that it's almost never too late to make an effort. For the best results, both partners must be committed to making changes in order to improve the relationship and attend couples therapy with openness, humility, and determination.