What is Couples Counselling?
Couples counseling is a form of therapy where guidance and advice is focused on problematic issues within the relationships rather than the individual partner themselves. Couples counseling is short-term problem-oriented therapy which may include a variety of approaches to confront the areas of concern. Couples counseling is emotionally focused on improving relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution in a couple.
The goal of couples counseling is to gain insight into the relational dynamics creating the problem. Understand the roles of each partner in the dysfunctional interactions, and help change the way they perceive the relationship and each other. Effective communication skills and problem-solving techniques are provided to both partners.
Unfortunately, not all relationships can be saved and couples therapy is necessary at times to help part ways amicably. Sometimes a significant amount of damage has occurred in the relationship where restorative treatment is no longer viable. When maladaptive relational patterns have already become embedded, the emotional bond of the couple is severely broken due to resentment from past conflict. Couples therapy can be useful in helping to settle these wounds and learning how to move on without each other.
How Couples Counselling Can Help You?
Couples counselling can help improve your relationship in many ways, such as improving communication, resolving conflict, and increasing intimacy. It can also help you better understand your partner and yourself, and develop healthier relationship patterns.
Improve Communication
Couples counselling can help you and your partner learn how to communicate more effectively, both verbally and non-verbally. This can help you to better understand each other's needs and wants, and to resolve conflict in a more constructive way.
Increase Intimacy
Couples therapy can help you and your partner to reconnect on an emotional and physical level. This can lead to a deeper sense of intimacy and connection, which can strengthen your relationship.
Reduce Ineffective Patterns
Couples counselling can help you to identify and break unhealthy patterns in your relationship, such as arguments, poor conflict resolution, and lack of trust. This can help you to create a more positive and productive relationship climate.
When is it time to seek couples counselling?
Couples counselling can be a helpful way to improve your relationship if you are experiencing any of the following:
Decision-making problems
Are you having trouble making decisions together? Do you feel like you are always at odds? Couples therapy may help you learn how to make decisions in a more collaborative way.
Patterns of conflict or criticism
Do you find yourselves constantly criticizing each other? Do you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells? Couples therapy may help you learn how to communicate in a more respectful and constructive way.
Communication problems
Are you having difficulty expressing your feelings to your partner? Do you find it hard to talk about important issues? Couples counseling may help you develop better communication skills.
Conflicting values or lifestyles
Are you having difficulty resolving differences in your values or lifestyles? Do you feel like you are becoming increasingly incompatible? Couples Therapy can help you find common ground and compromise.
Working through a recent conflict or life transition
Have you recently experienced a major conflict or life change, such as a job loss, a death in the family, or a move? Are you struggling to cope with the changes and the impact they have had on your relationship? Couples counseling may help you cope with the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Recurring arguments
Do you find yourselves getting stuck in the same arguments over and over again? Are your arguments becoming more and more destructive? Couples counseling may help you break the cycle and learn how to communicate more effectively.