The decision to start couples therapy or therapy in general can be daunting. There can be various reasons as to why a couple would decide to start couples therapy. Oftentimes the decision is made because the relationship is in high stress and tension, but that doesn’t mean that couples counseling is limited to crisis mode. I’ve outlined some of the benefits of couples therapy below.
Helps clarify feelings about relationship
Oftentimes couples find difficulty in expressing and being on the same page with their feelings. This can happen for various reasons, but what counseling provides is a space to be able to make sense of what you’re trying to say and express it to your partner so that you both feel heard, understood, and seen.
Can help resolve relationship roadblocks before they become impasses
Couples therapy can help a relationship go from feeling stuck and misunderstood to understanding and being on the same page. If too many instances or time passes between feeling stuck and misunderstood consistently with disagreements adding up more and more, it can lead a couple to feel like things are hopeless. Disconnection starts to set in and the feeling of incompatibility. However, counseling can help to offset that by bringing understanding and clarity and through that, connection.
Can deepen intimacy + connection
Adding to point number 2 above, being given a safe space to express your thoughts and concerns can be really intimate and connecting. It’s not only about being able to express yourself though. In counseling, your therapist creates moments of connection between you and your partner to be able to experience each other in a new and more positive way. Being able to have these moments of affection and intimacy can feel really healing and hopeful when things have been feeling stuck and frustrating.
Helps promote self-awareness + personal growth
One of the misconceptions of couples therapy is that it only focuses on the couple as a unit. While that’s partly true, the change that happens within the couple system stems from the change and growth that each individual brings. I’m a huge proponent of relationships being our greatest teachers. I think they teach us a lot about who we are, why we do what we do, and what’s motivating those behaviors. Because of that, couples counseling not only helps the relationship grow in understanding, but also the members within that relationship. You’ll be able to tune into yourself more, understand your feelings and reactions more, and learn to let go of ego and conditioning.
If you’re interested in couples therapy and want to learn more about it, feel free to schedule a free consult with me. You can also sign up to receive my free Relationship Journal or Singles Journal.