When is the Right Time to Try Couple’s Counseling?
For better or worse. Those words seem easy to say at the time, but when worse gets really bad, many couples are ready to throw in the towel. That’s because they didn’t seek help in time and let things get out of hand.
The Stigma of Counseling
It can be hard to make the decision to go to couples counseling because it means you have to face your problems and admit you and your partner are on shaky ground. That can be incredibly scary to admit. It’s not dissimilar to thinking something may be wrong with your health, but you’re too scared to face the music and so you ignore the issue until it gets way too big.
Beyond having to admit you and your partner have problems, there’s also the uncomfortableness of not being familiar with therapy. It can definitely feel a bit mysterious and scary sitting down with a total stranger and sharing personal information about your relationship.
For these reasons, far too many couples let their marriage issues sit on the back burner, percolating. But the better option is to nip an issue in the bud as soon as it rears its ugly head.
To save you some confusion, here are some of the most common relationship issues that typically require some time in couples counseling.
Broken Trust
Whenever there is a major breach of trust, as in an extramarital affair, there is usually a need for couples counseling. Broken trust can shake the foundation of your relationship or marriage. I can help you both rebuild the foundation of trust and become stronger than before by beginning your relationship 2.0 version.
More Frequent Arguments
To each relationship, a little rain must fall. But when you start having frequent torrential downpours, it’s time to ask for help. An increase in fighting and intensity of fighting often means significant problems under the surface. In therapy we look at the underlying conditions and feelings that each is experiencing so you can more forward in your relationship in a healthier way. Learn how to disagree without destroying your relationship.
You’ve Experienced a Devastating Event
Life throws us events in our lives that are hard to rebound from. Whether it’s a financial loss or the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, the trauma can change the way you and your partner relate to one another. Learn how to rebuild the bridge between the two of you and become a TEAM again.
The Spark has gone out of your Sex Life
Sexual/ physical intimacy can feel like a boring chore or it can feel like water in the desert that is desperately longer for. Emotional and sexual connection is needed in a relationship and if that’s missing it can create sadness and anger. But it has to be sexual intimacy that feels connecting and pleasurable for both.
These are just a few of the reasons you and your partner should consider exploring couples counseling or couples sex therapy. It’s always better to seek help than try and go it alone.
If you are interested in learning more about couples therapy or a couples (sex therapy) intensive retreat please be in touch with me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.