When you hear couples counseling, you probably imagine disputes between partners, infidelity, and other issues. In short, couples counseling conjures up images of bad relationships. While the assumption is often that only people in bad relationships need therapy, the truth is much more nuanced. Certainly, couples counseling can help people heal or work through relationship difficulties, but it can also help to establish a healthy partnership, improve communication, and so much more. In this blog, our therapists will review the top five reasons that people seek couples counseling and why it’s so beneficial.
Reason 1 – Communicate More Openly
If you ask a therapist what the key to a happy relationship is, most of them will give some variation of the same answer – open communication. Being able to communicate with your partner clearly and effectively about your needs leads to stronger and longer lasting intimacy bonds, which translates to healthier, happier relationships. Therapists will help you learn to choose your words wisely, speak clearly and truthfully, and listen with empathy.
Reason 2 – Fight Fair & Actually Resolve Arguments
Even in relationships that have great communication, fights will happen. The difference between struggling relationships and those that thrive is simple – the ability to resolve arguments when possible, and fight fair at all times. Counselors can help you learn to fight respectfully and with an eye toward the future, find the root causes of your arguments, and work toward resolution by finding ways to connect to each other, even during arguments.
Reason 3 – Establish a Strong Relationship from the Start
Before getting married or even engaged, you may want consider meeting with a counselor to establish a strong, healthy foundation for the relationship. By working with a therapist early on, couples are able to understand where their needs and goals align, where they differ, and how these similarities and differences may impact their ability to maintain a healthy relationship into the future.
Reason 4 – Create Deeper Bonds
Even if you have a long-standing, healthy relationship, counseling may be a good way to deepen intimacy bonds and ensure that your relationship continues to thrive into the future. By helping couples improve communication, resolve issues, find greater appreciation for each other, and simply invest more time in their relationships, therapy improves their connection and bond.
Reason 5 – Heal Following a Hardship or Make the Decision to Separate
Following a betrayal, severe breakdown in communications, or other serious issues within a relationship, you may want to seek counseling to begin rebuilding and healing. This is likely the reason for relationship therapy that most people think of. In addition to healing following relationship troubles, counseling can also help you discern when it’s best to walk away from a struggling relationship.
Ready to Work with a Couples Counselor in Annapolis?
Relationships take work, but they can be a fulfilling and sustaining part of our lives. If you’re having a difficult time with your romantic relationships or you just want to make them better, couples counseling can be an important resource. If you’re interested in learning more about what to expect or you want to schedule a visit with one of our knowledgeable therapists, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (443) 924-6344, email info@cedarcounselingandwellness.com, or complete our simple online form.
