There isn’t a perfect time to begin going to couples counseling, as it’s typically on a case-by-case basis. Couples may choose to begin attending sessions due to an existing issue and/or to prevent future problems from surfacing. Experiencing issues, disagreements and problems in a relationship are not abnormal, as they happen in most partnerships, and many can be resolved through therapy. Relationships are not as easy as some may seem. They take a lot of love, patience and empathy, and possibly the help of professional experts.
Couples counseling has the ability to create a safe zone for partners to openly communicate their thoughts without judgement. This method has helped many couples reach a compromise that both partners are comfortable with about issues that are causing stress on the relationship. As mentioned, it may also be beneficial to couples that may not be experiencing significant disagreements, as a licensed counselor can provide tools and resources to couples that may help them maintain a healthy relationship.
Common Reasons and Signs Couples go to Counseling
There is an infinite amount of reasons why partners begin couples counseling sessions, however, there may also not be a reason at all. Attending couples counseling doesn’t necessarily mean that there are any present issues, as some couples choose to go to maintain their happiness. Since there are many reasons couples may begin attending couples counseling, there are also many signs that appear that suggest you should consider attending with your partner. Here are some of the more common reasons and signs that lead couples to begin counseling:
- You and/or your partner have committed infidelity against the other
- When one or both individuals in a relationship cheats, it may cause a sense of distrust within the relationship. However, Infidelity does not necessarily mean that the relationship is over, as many couples have become closer than before after working through this issue.
- You and/or your partner is dealing with mental illness, such as depression
- Dealing with a mental illness may be hard for one or both partners, however, speaking to a licensed professional may provide tools that couples can utilize to support each other through difficult obstacles.
- You or your partner are pregnant and/or just gave birth to a child
- Beginning and/or growing a family can be a stressful time as many aspects of a couple’s life is changing as more individuals are added. Couples may be stressed, fatigued and/or emotionally drained during these times and it may add unwanted pressure to the relationship. Speaking with someone may help partners realize each other’s needs through these types of transitions.
- You and your partner are not expressing enough intimacySome couples experience a “dry spell,” that includes much less intimacy or sex than what is desired.
- This may be caused by busy schedules, lack of interest or a variety of reasons. These dry spells do not typically last forever and the underlying cause may be revealed through counseling.
- You and your partner are not communicating properly
- Sometimes, it’s not a matter of the amount you are communicating with your partner, but rather what is being communicated. Conversations may derail from their intended paths and cause more damage. A specialized therapist will guide the conversation into positive progress.
- You and/or your partner are having money issues
- The root of many disagreements within relationships includes money. The lack of money has the power to create continuous issues with partners that lead to disagreements. Although a counselor will not be able to help partners find a new/additional income source, they can provide resources that help partners get through hardships.
- You and/or your partner have experienced a major life change
- Major life changes, whether positive or negative, can cause stress, excitement and many other emotions. These major life changes could include a new job, getting married to each other and/or a move to a new city. Although these changes may be positive, the change that accompanies them may cause stresses that the relationship isn’t used to handling.
Arranging Couples Counseling
Many relationship issues and disagreements can be successfully fixed with couples counseling. It is not uncommon for one’s partner to be uneasy about the thought of couples counseling, so be sure to explain your reasoning behind deciding why this is the right course of action for both of you.
It is easy to find and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists and counselors specialized in couples counseling.