Written by Janessa M. Borges, LCSW, Naples Oceanside Wellness, LLC
Are you and your partner experiencing conflict in your relationship? Is it becoming increasingly difficult to live with your partner? Ignoring these problems won’t solve the issue. Couples counseling may be a beneficial tool to help you fix the issues and avoid any unhappiness in the relationship.
Couples therapy is effective if you are in a long-term, committed relationship and want to improve communication with your partner and understanding each other better. Most couples who seek help in their relationship are married, but it isn’t necessary to attend couples counseling.
When should you seek couples counseling?
There is never a “right time” to seek therapy, but for most couples it usually happens after a catalyst – a big fight or repetition of the same argument over and over again. The main reasons individuals seek out couples therapy could also be caused by a problem in the relationship such as sexual or financial activities, mental health condition, substance abuse, or infidelity.
Couples might also schedule to meet with a therapist during and after times of significant life changes. These could include a new baby, illness, moving, new job, becoming an empty-nester, or you are wanting to amicably divorce.
What to expect in counseling…
The best counseling program for you will be based on your specific concerns and needs. You and your partner will attend monthly or weekly hour-long sessions where you converse and have the therapist observe you. Your therapist will ask you questions to figure out how your relationship morphed into what it is today and to gain an understanding of the dynamics and ins-and-outs of your relationship.
Once the root of your relationship or problem is identified, you will work together with your therapist to set goals that are realistic and reachable such as learning to listen to one another and learning how to compromise.
With the help of professional couples counseling, you can over overcome adversity and conflict in your relationship to create a stronger and deeper bond with your partner.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact Janessa today to schedule your first counseling session!
