How Couples Therapy Helps with Communication Issues

Communication is vital for any relationship, but especially for romantic relationships. Effective communication helps you open up to your partner, understand each other better, and overcome conflicts in your relationship. It also helps you build a stronger, more connected relationship where you’re able to face any challenge as a unit. 

If you have been experiencing communication issues in your relationship, you are not the only one. Communication breakdown is quite common as a relationship progresses and changes with time. 

But there are ways to overcome it. 

In this article, we explore the importance of communication in a relationship, and how couples therapy can help you build effective communication skills.

Also read: 6 Signs You’re in a Codependent Relationship

Why communication matters in relationships

Good communication is more than just talking to your partner every day, it is about making them feel heard and validating their concerns. Effective communication makes you both feel understood and helps you convey your needs to your partner.

Also read: Does Your Relationship Have Emotional Intimacy?

In fact, a couple's communication pattern can even predict how successful the relationship will be. Here's how effective communication can help you enhance your relationship:

Helps in reducing and resolving conflicts

While conflicts in relationships are normal, being open and honest with your partner about your feelings can help you reduce and resolve them much more easily. When you are able to communicate with your partner easily, it is much easier to address your problems rather than get caught up in a cycle of misunderstanding and feeling hurt.

Fosters intimacy and emotional connection

Communication is a form of self-disclosure, which helps you strengthen the emotional connection in your relationship. Being able to communicate freely and effectively, helps you express your views, thoughts, and desires better.

Minimises negative feelings

Not being able to express your concerns to your partner, can sometimes make you overthink minor issues. As you keep going over your concerns alone in your mind, it can give way to negative feelings towards your partner. However, when you are able to communicate well, it's easier to express your concerns and resolve them right away with your partner.

Improving your communication skills with couples therapy

Although communication is essential for relationships to thrive, it doesn't always come easy. When emotions are running high, being patient and listening to the other person can be tough. 

If you've been having trouble communicating your thoughts and feelings with your partner, know that you are not alone. Disagreements are common in relationships, but that doesn't mean you have to resign to constant arguments.

Couples therapy can help you build effective communication skills which can not only help you listen to your partner but also express yourself better. Working with a couples therapist can help you understand how you and your partner can focus on problems, together. 

Learning active listening skills

Being an active listener is about focusing on what the other person is saying, without thinking about what you're going to say next.

When you're in an argument, it can be hard to pause and focus on what the other person is saying, but that can often worsen the situation. As an active listener, you will not only learn to hear what the other person is saying but also understand what they are trying to express.

Understanding your partner's perspective

The best way to understand another person's thoughts and actions is t put yourself in their shoes. 

But that's easier said than done.

When you work with a couples therapist, you can learn how to truly understand your partner's perspective, beyond what they are saying in words. Trying to understand another's perspective can be tough, but your therapist can guide you along. 

Know how to express yourself 

Effective communication is not just about listening to the other person, you need to be able to express yourself as well.

Burying your feelings, or avoiding vulnerability can keep your partner from understanding your needs. Not being able to convey your expectations can leave you feeling as though your partner does not understand you, which can be quite frustrating.

When you work with a couples therapist, you can express your feelings to your partner in a safe, comfortable, and confidential space. Learning to express yourself in therapy can equip you with skills to express your thoughts in all aspects of your life.

Going to a couples therapist does not signal that your relationship is failing. Rather, it is a sign that you are willing to work through your problems together.

Also read: 4 Communication Styles to Avoid In Your Relationships

Being vulnerable in therapy is not easy, but some people may find comfort in having their partner by their side. A couples therapist offers an unbiased perspective into your relationship and helps you both learn skills that can help your relationship thrive.

Sources:

Roddenberry, V. (2021). How Couples Therapy Can Improve Your Communication — Breyta Psychological Services, P.A. - Raleigh, NC. Breyta Psychological Services, P.A. - Raleigh, NC. https://www.breytapsych.com/blog/how-couples-therapy-can-improve-your-communication/2021/6/28

Cherry, K. (2022). How to Improve Your Communication In Relationships. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/communication-in-relationships-why-it-matters-and-how-to-improve-5218269

Team, B. (2023, January 5). Building Stronger Communication in Relationships - Onebright. Onebright. https://onebright.com/advice-hub/news/couples-therapy-building-stronger-communication-in-relationships/