Let’s face it, couples argue. A certain amount of arguing is even healthy for a relationship. It helps bring relationship issues to the forefront so that they can be confronted and worked on to strengthen your bond. When these arguments carry on for long periods of time, become a frequent occurrence, or lead to violence they become a problem that weakens and endangers the relationship.
The key to any healthy relationship is communication. When communication breaks down it can put distance between the people involved in the relationship and damage it. If you feel that you are not able to effectively communicate with your partner, couples therapy can help. Couples therapy teaches you to communicate in a more effective manner. Skills like listening and compromising are enforced so that disagreements can be settled in a way that leaves both sides feeling better.
Intimacy issues are another reason a couple may consider therapy. It is a difficult issue to bring up for many people and involves many sensitive topics. A therapist can help by asking the right questions and putting the couple at ease when discussing such a personal subject.
Another reason for couples therapy could be for parenting help. You may have a different outlook on parenting than your spouse. The upbringing of a child is one of the most important responsibilities of a couple and it can lead to problems. If you and your spouse are divorced it can introduce more challenges into the process. A Breaking Free couples therapist can help you reach agreements on how to raise your children and instill effective ways to communicate with each other and with your children.
Many people think of couples counseling as a last resort before divorce, but that is absolutely not the case.
I’m a certified Gottman Relationship Checkup therapist and assessment tools used are through the Gottman Institute.