Relationships are not always a walk in the park.
Some days are better than others, and in some cases disagreements are unavoidable. But, that doesn’t mean the relationship should end or proceed while the involved people are unhappy.
How often have you heard people suggest therapy to a couple because they’re going through a tough time? Probably a lot.
Therapy is often treated like some sort of medication that you take only when things are not going well. This approach is totally wrong.
Therapy has a wide range of benefits that not only focus on helping us get out of dark places, but that also help us get a better understanding of those spaces. Therapy might not always help us master how to avoid unfavorable situations, but it surely can help us maneuver through those circumstances.
At a personal level, it creates a safe and supportive environment that allows one to address any personal issues they might be dealing with (in some cases unconsciously).
Therapy does this by:
- Increasing resilience
- Improving decision-making
- Improving self-awareness
- Improving coping strategies
- Facilitating lifestyle change
- Improving communication skills
We need these skills even when we are not necessarily in trouble.
The same is applicable to our relationships. Couples therapy can equip us with the skills we need to successfully sail through our relationships.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is designed to help couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. It is also referred to as marriage counseling or couples counseling.
The aim of couples therapy is to improve communication, increase understanding, and strengthen the bond between partners.
During couples therapy, a trained therapist or counselor works with the couple to identify the issues that are causing problems in their relationship. These issues can include things like:
- Communication problems
- Infidelity
- Financial issues
- Sexual problems
- Differences in values or goals
The therapist helps the couple to develop new skills for communication and problem-solving, as well as to gain insight into their own behavior and the behavior of their partner.
Through therapy, couples can learn how to work together to overcome their challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships.
7 Reasons Why All Couples Should Try Couples Therapy
1. Improved communication.
Couples often struggle to communicate effectively, which can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and conflict.
In therapy, couples can learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and constructive way, and how to actively listen to their partner.
2. Conflict resolution.
Every relationship has its share of conflicts, but couples in therapy learn how to manage disagreements in a healthy and productive way.
They learn how to compromise, negotiate, and find solutions that work for both partners.
3. Strengthened emotional connection.
Through therapy, couples can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and feelings, which can help to strengthen their emotional bond.
This can lead to increased intimacy and closeness in the relationship.
4. Increased self-awareness.
In addition to improving the relationship, couple’s therapy can also help individuals develop greater self-awareness and self-reflection.
By understanding their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, individuals can make positive changes in their own lives and in the relationship.
5. Prevention of future problems.
Couples therapy can also be a preventative measure, helping couples to identify and address potential problems before they become more serious.
6. Provides a different perspective.
Sometimes we’re blinded from certain aspects of our relationships, simply because we are active participants in the relationship.
It’s easy to miss or ignore some things that should be unacceptable simply because you love someone. Therapy can be an eye-opener to help you recognize the things you might have been missing all along.
7. It helps us understand how to be in relationships.
Relationships are not easy, and sometimes as people, we tend to be selfish.
Compromising and meeting our partner in the middle might not be easy and obviously, that will create a lot of tension in the relationship.
Couples therapy will help both people understand that a relationship is not all about them individually, but about them as a couple. It will help you master the skills that are required for a successful relationship.
It is Never Too Late to Consider Therapy
We don’t really wait for our cars to break down before we take them for a service.
Certainly, our relationships are more important and we shouldn’t wait for the breaking point before we decide to do something. Therapy can be a part of any relationship even when things are seemingly going well.
If you think just because you didn’t consider couple’s therapy at the beginning of your relationship means you can never think about it at later stages, you need to think again.
Couples can start therapy at any stage of their relationship, and they can certainly see the results.
Couples therapy is a valuable tool that can help to improve the relationship, promote emotional growth and prevent future problems.
Have you tried couples therapy?
What did you learn – or unlearn?
Did you find it helped your relationship?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated from Apr 4, 2023
Photo by Gustavo Fring
