Couples Counseling
A couple in distress may feel there’s no way out of a troubled relationship. The problems may feel insurmountable. Positions can become so entrenched that partners feel worlds apart. The sooner a couple faces these issues the easier it may be to work on them. Couples therapy can help find solutions to problems and conflicts that may have seemed unresolveable.
Most couples experience stressful times. There are times when a person in a relationship can feel like issues are so overwhelming that they are insurmountable. We can become so entrenched in our ways that moving forward can feel worlds away. Meeting with a therapist can be very beneficial. The sooner a couple faces these issues, the easier it may be to work on them. Couples therapy can help find solutions to problems and conflicts.
During therapy, the therapist helps both partners see the relationship in a more objective manner. Therapists help couples learn to stop the “blame game.” Therapists also help partners change the way that they interact and the way they may be misunderstanding each other. For example, learning to use a “timeout” can stop the escalation of conflicts. Being able to communicate effectively is very important. The therapist may act as a “coach” in helping the couple to speak to each other in more supportive and understanding ways.
The therapist may act as a mediator, clearing up misunderstandings in communication. In addition, to help avoid emotional distancing, the therapist can encourage and support each person to express emotions and thoughts they are feeling. Therapists also can help each partner in the relationship look more closely at their own issues and how those are being played-out in the couple’s interactions.
It should be noted that couples counseling does not always result in the couple staying together. Sometimes a separation or divorce are the healthiest choices to make. There are times when a therapist can help a couples to talk through the separation process, mediation, or co-parenting issues.
