How Couples Therapy Improves Communication and Trust

Rough patches are quite common in relationships. Sometimes, they can even be healthy, if you can work through them successfully. When you work through relationship troubles, it can not only help you understand your partner better but equip you with skills to connect better with them. 

But, sometimes, working with your partner can seem exhausting. Especially when it feels like you aren't able to communicate well with them. So, what do you do?

What is couples therapy, and how does it strengthen relationships?

Couples Therapy (sometimes called marriage counselling) is a specific type of family therapy that explores the root cause of issues between two people. It helps your relationship grow and can be a great tool to help build better relationships. Whether you live together or are trying a long-distance relationship, online couples therapy can help you connect better with your partner.

Also read: Understanding Marriage Stress

Not only does it provide you with a safe space to talk about your relationship concerns, but it also helps you learn skills to overcome them. If you've been struggling to find a better way to communicate with your partner and build a trusting relationship, couples therapy may be the right fit for you. 

Benefits of Couples Therapy for fostering trust and enhancing communication

Trust and communication go hand-in-hand in relationships; you can't have one without the other. Learning good communication skills not only helps you express yourself to your partner, but also builds a trusting relationship. When your partner doesn't have to second-guess everything you do or say, they can work on opening themselves up to you. 

With couples counselling, you can understand what building trust means for your relationship and increases emotional intimacy. 

Also read: Long Distance Relationships: Making Them Work

Building Trust

Trust is crucial if you want your relationship to thrive in the long run. Couples counselling can help you rebuild trust or work on strengthening it further. Trust issues, whether from a lack of honesty, infidelity, or other reasons, need to be resolved in a safe space to build a healthy relationship.

Couples Therapy can be an excellent space to lay out your concerns, especially when there’s a lack of trust. With help from a mental health expert, you can work on figuring out how trust was broken and start the healing process. 

Strengthening communication

Therapy can help improve communication skills to help you communicate with your partner effectively. Usually, therapists achieve this by using tools such as communication exercises, which you must practice with your partner. Learning these skills is not only about expressing yourself better but also about understanding what your partner wants to express as well. 

Good communication skills can help you beyond your romantic relationships. From your professional life to your friendships, communicating well can help approach conflicts differently. 

Tips from experts for healthier relationships

Working on your relationship goes beyond attending online couples therapy sessions. Some expert-recommended tips that can help you grow your relationship.

Practise active listening

Active listening refers to attending to what your partner is saying without getting caught up in your thoughts. These skills help you understand what your partner wants to communicate, rather than trying to figure it out by yourself. 

Start daily or weekly check-ins

Expressing your concerns or thoughts is much easier when you have a scheduled check-in session. With daily or weekly check-ins, you can connect better with your partners and helps you stay on the same page.

Using positive language

When navigating a difficult situation, it can be instinctual to stick to negative language. But when you use positive language, it can not only help your partner feel better but also benefit your relationship in the long run. 

Also read: 4 Communication Styles to Avoid In Your Relationships 

Mental health experts suggest that couples therapy or marriage counselling can be effective no matter the stage of your relationship. If you want to work on a long-term commitment with your partner, it is best to seek professional help when issues don't seem to work out on their own. 

Sources:

1. Fellizar, K. (2019, May 29). 7 Trust-Building Exercises Couples Counselors Swear By. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/p/7-trust-building-exercises-couples-counselors-swear-by-17918112
2. Morreale, S. P., Osborn, M. M., & Pearson, J. C. (2000). Why communication is important: A rationale for the centrality of the study of communication. Journal of the association for communication administration, 29(1), 1.
3. Smith, S. (2021, February 24). The Top 17 Trust-Building Exercises All Couples Should Know. Marriage Advice - Expert Marriage Tips & Advice. https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/trust-building-exercises/
4. Mindset Media. (2021, August 24). The Benefits of Couples Counselling | Your Counselling Ltd. Your Counselling. https://yourcounselling.ca/the-benefits-of-couples-counselling/