Relationship Counselling 101: Can Couples Therapy Fix Your Relationship?

We all know relationships are hard, but what many of us forget is that relationships are also hard work. Staying committed to finding solutions and listening to the other person are two of the many challenges when it comes to relationship-building. But there’s always hope. 

Today, medical science has progressed enough to have effective interventions for partners who are looking for long-term support. For example, couples therapy. Taking dedicated therapy sessions as a couple can help you make sense of discord in your romantic relationship or in a marriage. 

Read on for more information on how therapy can help you create a stronger bond with your partner today.

What is couples therapy?

Relationship counselling, also known as couples counselling or couples therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that aims to support people in improving their relationships. In therapy, couples can explore problems in their relationship, work on communication styles, and strengthen their overall connection, guided by a trusted therapist.

Many of us believe that relationship counselling or couples therapy is only chosen as a last resort to make things work, but this is actually a common misconception. Relationship counselling can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship. Being open to speaking to a couples therapist shows a commitment to your bond together. It reflects an intent to better one’s relationship. 

Also read: Does Your Relationship Have Emotional Intimacy

So it is completely natural and, in fact, healthy to take therapy sessions at any point and without waiting for a major event or disagreement. Counselling that enhances communication and connection can still be enlightening for those in happy, healthy relationships.

Here are some common benefits of couples therapy:

Benefits of couples therapy

• Provides a safe space for your emotions

Navigating one’s feelings can be challenging in a heated conversation, as we tend to react to the situation rather than responding to it. The unaddressed feelings often turn into a blame-game, which is unhelpful and could worsen the situation. 

Also read: 5 Therapist-Recommended Tools to Improve Your Relationship

In a therapy session, this is made easier through the intervention of a trained professional. Your therapist moderates the discussion, ensuring that each person feels heard and understood. They also typically establish certain ground rules and discuss therapy goals to take the conversation in a healthy direction.

• Helps you explore healthy communication styles

Conflict is a natural part of every relationship, so managing it is the key to building a strong relationship. Unhealthy communication styles like criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling can contribute to feelings of unhappiness if left unaddressed. This often results in a cycle of similar patterns that aggravate frustration, often for both parties.

Being consistent in therapy could allow your therapist to help you switch to healthier styles over time. This helps both partners in understanding each other in difficult times and considering contextual factors instead of jumping to conclusions.

Also read: 4 Communication Styles to Avoid In Your Relationships

• Builds resilience to interpersonal challenges

Apart from having the potential to transform your romantic relationship, couples therapy is a great catalyst for personal growth too. Working through differences can provide great insight into your own patterns of thinking, and help you discover your learned behaviours. For example, you might realise that you tend to stop listening to the other person when upset, or that it helps you to prepare beforehand for a healthy confrontation.

Also read: Anger in Relationships: Do’s and Don’ts

This knowledge can help you navigate other relationships too - at work, in social gatherings, and with family. It can reduce your fear and build your confidence in such situations, helping you develop a healthy resilience to change too.

When both partners take care of their relationship together, it can be a great source of happiness in both their relationship and their lives. Being committed to each therapy session and practicing healthy communication can help you feel closer to your partner and more secure in your relationship over time.

If you might be interested in a session, you can get in touch with a couples therapist at Amaha. We are here to help you get through any concerns you may have.