Of course, there is conflict in every relationship, but when couples are not on the same page about major life issues, if trust has been lost, or if stress and difficulties have taken their toll, it might be time to consider couples therapy. Especially when communication breaks down, having the benefit of a professional couple’s counselor or a couples therapy treatment program can help people work through conflicts and reconnect. Many people’s relationships have been improved, if not even saved, by participating in therapy for couples.
Who Can Benefit From Couples Therapy?
Therapy, in general, is beneficial to people. Despite the fact that our society often associates participation in therapy with mental illness, people who do not have mental illnesses can also find the therapeutic process helpful and life-affirming. Some of the people who can benefit from couples therapy are:
- Couples who have experienced a trauma such as the death of a loved one, a disaster, or an accident
- Couples that find themselves disagreeing about major life issues such as having children, marriage, religion, etc
- Couples who have experienced infidelity or other breaches of trust within the relationship
- Couples in which one or both partners have struggled with substance abuse or alcoholism
- Couples who feel as if they may have grown apart or felt disconnected, including those who are experiencing difficulties with intimacy
What Happens During Couples Therapy?
While different counseling programs might use various specific methods in their couples therapy treatment programs, in general, here are some things that can be expected during couples therapy:
- Voicing concerns and feelings appropriately and listening to the other partner’s concerns and feelings
- Examining the roots of conflict to resolve previous issues and handle conflict more effectively in the future
- Processing feelings and reactions to traumatic or upsetting events together
- Discovering points of connection that are positive and finding new ways to strengthen the relationship
- Learning effective communication strategies to manage potential areas of disagreement moving forward
- Gaining a deeper understanding of one another as individuals, leading to a greater sense of bonding and connection as a couple
Can’t We Work It Out On Our Own?
Many pairings believe they can work through their issues independently or that their issues will simply go away in time. Couples in some situations can navigate conflicts without help. Still, when the issues are severe or when communication has ceased to be effective or productive, couples therapy can be immensely helpful. Even though most people would like to think that they can handle things without a counselor, the truth is that everyone needs help sometimes. When you value the relationship, it is worth trying everything within your means to improve it.
Counselors who work in couples therapy can provide a healthy perspective on relationship difficulties and are also experienced with guiding couples through tough times. They are also licensed and highly trained in therapeutic methods to help couples communicate more effectively and resolve problems and conflicts.
Find the Couples Therapy Necessary at Grace Counseling
Therapy is hard work for everyone involved, but it is worthwhile to improve a couple’s quality of life and reconnect with one another. Some even report that their relationship is better than it ever was before due to the insights and understanding gained through couples therapy.
If you or someone you love are struggling in a relationship and could benefit from couples therapy, reach out to us at Grace Counseling at 844.564.0712 today. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are committed to helping our clients rediscover health and joy in life. The best time to seek help from a couples therapy treatment program is right now.