What comes to mind when you think of “couples therapy”? Perhaps fighting, marriage counselling, couples on the brink of divorce, coping with infidelity, disagreements over money, and the list goes on and on…
There’s no doubt that a counsellor can be of great help in these situations. What most people don’t realize, however, is that couples therapy isn’t exclusively for relationships facing challenges or a crisis.
Couples therapy is ultimately about working with a counsellor to identify areas of your relationship you’d like to improve, addressing immediate problems, and developing strategies for enhancing the long-term health and happiness of your relationship. Any relationship can benefit from this opportunity for reflection, discussion and growth, not just a relationship in a difficult place.
1. It’s not just for married couples
A relationship is a relationship, no matter how long you’ve been together or how it may be recognized by law. As we’ve laid out below, any couple can benefit from counselling, no matter how long you’ve been together or how you define your relationship.
2. Improve your communication
It’s often said that communication is the key to a successful relationship. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult things to achieve.
Seeing a couples counsellor can help you and your partner better understand each other’s needs and communication styles. With this understanding, your counsellor will work with you to develop better communication strategies that are positive, open and help meet your partner’s needs and communication preferences.
3. Navigate major life transitions
Major life changes, including positive ones, can put a strain on even the strongest relationships. You could be experiencing a planned change such as moving to a new city, having children or one partner going back to school. You may also be forced to navigate an unplanned life event such as unemployment, a life-altering illness or the loss of a loved one.
Regardless of the change you face as a couple, it can have an impact on your emotions, denna hyperlГ¤nk your needs, your ability to communicate and your feelings about the relationship. A couples counsellor can help facilitate a productive, respectful dialogue about your evolving feelings and circumstances, and assist you in developing strategies for successfully navigating life’s changes as a couple.
4. Enjoy a safe space for open dialogue
As we’ve already discussed, communication can be a challenge in any relationship. Having open, honest conversations can be difficult even with the person you love and trust the most. Couples therapy gives you a time and space to discuss any issues and get them out in the open in a safe and neutral space.
Expressing emotions in words is challenging for many people. A couples counsellor can help by listening to what you’re saying and feeling, and rephrasing it or helping you find a way to say it that your partner can better understand. They can also bring in a fresh perspective on the challenges you’re discussing to help you see things in a new way, and ultimately help you develop your understanding of each other’s perspectives and needs in the relationship.
On the other hand, some couples may have no problems expressing themselves in words…except it usually takes the form of yelling or negative comments. Your counsellor can help by setting ground rules for the discussion to ensure it stays positive and respectful, and acting as a mediator to help you stay on track.
5. Plan for the future
Being in a relationship with someone means going through life’s ups, downs and adventures together. It’s not uncommon for challenges to arise in a relationship when you’re not on the same page about what you want in life.
Some of the most common decisions that couples need to make are about whether or not to have children, how to share finances, managing your careers and other future events such as buying property and planning for retirement.
Whether it’s figuring out timing, priorities, or whether you want certain things to happen at all, couples therapy is an excellent venue to open up the lines of communication about your life together and have a neutral mediator to help facilitate these conversations.
At the end of the day, couples therapy is about improving and strengthening your relationship. In relationships facing a crisis or potential breakup, couples therapy can be a more critical and time-pressing resource. However, even the happiest of couples can benefit from improved communication and connection, especially as you navigate life’s constant changes and challenges together.
Great Lakes Counselling offers couples therapy in Norfolk and Haldimand County. Book your counselling appointment today to start working with our counsellors to strengthen your communication and connection with your partner for a happier, healthier relationship.