Navigating relationships can be hard. There’s no shame in seeking help for any spectrum of difficulties in a relationship. From arguments, to life transitions, to infidelity. Therapy doesn’t need to be a last resort but can even serve as a preventative measure prior to even reaching more severe situations.
Improved Communication
Effective communication is a valuable skill in any context, whether you're speaking with your boss, friends, or significant other. Breakdowns in communication can lead to frustration for everyone involved. In couple’s therapy, the therapist supports both partners while observing their communication patterns. How often do we say one thing, only for our partner to interpret it differently? By slowing down the conversation, each person can feel more heard and understood. This setting also provides a chance to practice essential communication skills, such as empathetic listening, expressing needs clearly, and using open-ended questions.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflicts are an inevitable part of any relationship. In the heat of an argument, it can be challenging to see the bigger picture or recognize communication patterns between you and your partner. In a counseling setting, the therapist can help identify these patterns and bring them to light. One common issue in couples' conflicts is the emergence of accusations. By using "I-Statements," individuals can express their feelings and needs more effectively, focusing on their own experiences rather than making assumptions or speaking for their partner. This approach fosters clearer and more constructive communication.
Strengthening Emotional Connection
Emotional connection isn't a one-time event; it stems from feeling emotionally safe, supported, and understood. Simple actions, like putting your phone away during conversations with your partner, can help foster that connection. It doesn’t require a complicated approach to show your partner that you care and want to engage with them. For more ideas on strengthening emotional bonds, you can explore The Gottman Card Deck app.
Increased Understanding and Empathy
Do you sometimes feel like your partner doesn't understand you, or that you have difficulty grasping their perspective? Couples therapy provides an opportunity to explore these feelings and creates a safe space for both partners to clarify their views. A therapist can guide you in shifting from striving to be heard to focusing on hearing and understanding your partner. This shift can lead to a deeper emotional connection between you both.
Navigating Major Life Changes
Partnership comes with its fair share of life transitions. Moving to a new city, starting a new job, deciding to start a family, struggling to start a family. All of these situations come with their own stressors and trying to navigate them with someone else can be a challenge! Esther Perel shares in an interview some of the major challenges that are processed in couples therapy. Through couple’s therapy, couples can explore these new chapters with someone to help guide them through those conversations and apply the skills discussed earlier in hopes of a smoother transition.
Prevention of Future Issues
“Couples therapy is often seen as a last resort.” While that may be true for some, others view it as a proactive measure to prevent larger issues from developing. Establishing healthy patterns early on can set couples up for long-term success. If only we regarded mental health maintenance with the same importance as we do vehicle maintenance!
According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, over 90% of couples have reported to have improved mental health after attending couples counseling. In addition, The Gottman Institute found that only 37% of divorced couples attended couples therapy prior to filing for divorce.
There doesn’t have to be an emergency to start a couple's work. The goal for us is, no matter where we’re starting, to build a relationship full of trust, empathy and understanding. Take our quiz to learn which couple therapist would be best fit for you https://www.thecouchtherapy.org/quiz
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