What is couples counseling? When to know you need one
A study shows that up to sixty percent of couples will face a major problem. Most people do not seek help but go through the problems alone. When going for counseling you need to be able to communicate with your partner and create a safe environment where both can safely talk about things that might have been hidden from each other. By addressing the problems head-on, the problem can be resolved and the relationship saved.
What is couples counseling?
Couples counseling is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between two people. Counseling is usually used as a way to solve problems, such as infidelity, poor communication, and power struggles. These things can happen in any long-term relationship so they affect both married and unmarried couples. You are not required to have a legal marriage or be romantically involved with your partner, but you must have a committed relationship with the person you are seeing the counselor with.
Other than in-person therapy, there are also sessions via video chat. The counselor acts as an intermediary between the two individuals and holds both accountable for their actions. This type of therapy has been widely chosen lately because of its lower cost, increased convenience, and the ability to have sessions on your schedule. Especially, you can choose a licensed therapist who has an online presence for your first session. You can then take the time to see if that particular therapist is a good fit for you.
What is couples counseling used for?
Couples counseling can be used as a way to resolve conflict within the relationship. It may also be used to keep good relationships strong. Some couples take advantage of counseling to learn how to better communicate with each other and understand their partner’s feelings and behaviors.
Why go for couples counseling?
There are times when people get stuck in a problem and cannot see a way out. They fail to think that they can solve the problem on their own or with the help of their friends. This is when they should consider seeking couples counseling.
When to know that you need one?
If you are in a relationship, whether it is with your boyfriend or girlfriend, then there are times when you will have to face some problems. There might be some fights and arguments which go out of hand. When this happens, it is best to take a break and think about what made everything go wrong. If you find yourself in such a position and do not know what exactly went wrong and how you should start over, then go for couples counseling.
Here are some signs that you should consult a couples counselor:
1. Trouble communicating with your partner – Couples counseling is not only about resolving problems but also learning how to communicate with each other better. When you and your partner cannot talk about the simplest things and always end up fighting over them, then you need professional help.
2. Grew apart – It is a sad sign but it happens. After being in a relationship for quite some time, you realize that the connection between the two of you has been growing weaker over time. Instead of loving and respecting each other, all you do is fight and get angry at everything the other person says or does.
3. Infidelity – This is something that hurts any relationship regardless of the couple’s gender or sexual orientation. When you have been cheated on by your partner, then you need to seek couples counseling right away. This way, you will be able to deal with the problem and come up with a solution for it properly.
4. Physical abuse – If you are unable to leave your partner because of economic reasons or fear, then this is another big sign that you need help. Sometimes people may not even realize that they are being abused by their partners. Your partner might say hurtful things to you or might be pushing and hitting you on a regular basis without even realizing that he/she is hurting you.
5. Addiction – One of the most common causes of breakups in relationships today is addiction, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. If you are unable to be with your partner because of his/her addiction, then you should seek couples counseling.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, couples counseling is something that you should not deny yourself if you are in a relationship. When everything else fails and communication with your partner becomes really difficult, then this is when you need the help of an expert to overcome the problem.