Therapy today is often viewed as an act of self-care and seeking help doesn’t always mean a relationship is at its breaking point. Couples therapy can be helpful in gaining insight into the relationship, understanding issues, resolving conflict and improving relationship satisfaction. Getting counseling is not a signal that the relationship is failing, and many couples find it helpful to address difficult issues before conflict arises.
For these couples, therapy is a form of maintenance that is done periodically on their relationships. It provides a platform with a moderator (the counselor) who has an impartial perspective on the issues that are brought to the session. It also gives both parties a chance to express themselves, give their perspectives and address things in a more transparent and honest way.
Seeing a couples therapist is not uncommon, but it isn’t something that's often talked about. Because of this, people often assume that it only takes place just before a marriage or relationship is about to end. However, therapy is a resource for a couple when the relationship is in its early stages, because it helps the couple learn how to work through their differences when they first arise.
It also helps them to manage problems in the initial stages. This prevents these problems from becoming larger, unmanageable issues in the future. Moreover, the stress from dealing with problems in a relationship can develop into resentment for each other. Over time this resentment can evolve into an entity of its own, affecting every aspect of your relationship and family life, so getting help before a seemingly little issue turns into in a severe crisis will only help the relationship.
When couples wait until a breaking point to get help, it is so much harder to have them come back together because the wounds are already so deep. Conflicts in a relationship also arise because of misunderstandings or poor communication and therapy is the platform where couples learn the skills to help them communicate effectively and understand each other better. When two people from different backgrounds get together they bring their own unique ideas and expectations to the relationship.
Effectively managing a relationship is not the similarities that people share, it’s how those differences are managed. Therapy also helps both parties become much more mindful and appreciative of each partner’s individuality, which enhances the experiences in the relationship.
Counseling helps couples gain a better insight and understand their unique relational patterns. It also helps them improve their emotional expression and learn the skills necessary to communicate and problem solve effectively.