For better or worse. Those words seem easy to say at the time, but when worse gets really bad, many couples are ready to throw in the towel. That’s because they didn’t seek help in time and let things get out of hand. Couple’s counseling can be a way to get things back on track and come to a place of mutual understanding and agreement before seeking separation.
The Stigma of Couple’s Counseling
It can be hard to make the decision to go to couple’s counseling because it means you have to face your problems and admit you and your partner are not doing well. That can be incredibly scary to admit. It’s not dissimilar to thinking something may be wrong with your health, but you’re too scared to face the music and so you ignore the issue until it gets way too big and you can’t ignore it anymore.
Beyond having to admit you and your partner have problems, there’s also the discomfort of not being familiar with therapy. It can definitely feel a bit mysterious and scary sitting down with a total stranger and sharing personal information about you and your relationship.
For these reasons, far too many couples let their marriage issues sit on the back burner, percolating. But the better option is to nip an issue in the bud as soon as it rears its ugly head.
To save you some confusion, here are some of the most common relationship issues that typically require some time in couple’s counseling.
Broken Trust
Whenever there is a major breach of trust there is usually a need for couple’s counseling. A breach of trust can come from concerns like an affair or dishonesty and deceit from other situations. Maybe your partner kept important information from you and that has impacted your trust in them. Broken trust can come from a variety of reasons, but a therapist can help you both rebuild the foundation of trust in order to get your relationship back on track.
More Frequent Arguments
Arguments and conflict are going to happen even in the best relationships. But when you start having frequent conflict that seems to be getting more intense or more often, it’s time to ask for help. An increase in fighting and intensity of arguments often means significant problems under the surface. Couple’s counseling can help you both learn to navigate conflict better and learn how to actually resolve conflict instead of brushing it under the rug for it to resurface later.
You’ve Experienced a Devastating Event
Life throws us events in our lives that are hard to rebound from. Whether it’s a financial loss or the loss of a loved one, the loss of a child, or a miscarriage, the trauma can change the way you and your partner relate to one another. Sometimes getting through a difficult situation is best done with some help. If you two have experienced something challenging together, couple’s counseling can help you navigate the changes.
These are just a few of the reasons you and your partner might consider exploring couple’s counseling. It’s always better to seek help than try and go it alone. You might be questioning if things are to the point that you should be considering talking to someone. If you’re questioning this, the likely answer is that you and your partner could benefit from couple’s counseling.
If you are interested in treatment options, please be in touch with me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
If you or someone you know is interested in exploring therapy, please contact me. I’d be happy to discuss how I might be able to help.
Modern Change offers couples therapy in Durham, NC 27707
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