Pretty ProgressiveEvery relationship has its ups and downs. If the negatives are starting to outweigh the positives, it might be time to ask for help. Just as it’s important to seek therapy if you’re experiencing a mental illness, it’s also important to get professional help when your relationship needs it. Relationship counseling can help you and your partner communicate more openly, establish better habits, and move forward with a healthier, happier partnership.
There’s no shame in asking for help, but many couples hesitate to start therapy. If you’re wondering whether couples counseling is the right choice for you and your partner, look for these signs that couples counseling can help your relationship.
You Struggle To Communicate
Communication is an essential part of any relationship. If you feel as though you and your partner consistently misunderstand each other or can’t speak as openly as you want to, you’re likely experiencing unhelpful communication patterns. Couples counseling gives you a safe space to get back on the same level and build better communication techniques. Learning how to actively listen to each other and to be open about your thoughts and emotions is the key to rebuilding your communication skills and feeling more comfortable with each other.
You’re Facing Major External Changes
Life is full of unexpected changes, many of which can affect a relationship. Major life events such as a death in the family, having kids, losing or starting a job, or caring for an elderly parent can change your routine and throw extra challenges your way. These challenges might lead to communication struggles, disagreements on household practices and principles, resentment, and other issues.
If you and your partner face a major challenge or life change, you don’t have to wait for other signs that couples counseling can help your relationship. Couples counseling can help you address these difficult times and find ways to navigate the challenges together before any internal conflict has a chance to grow.
You’re Dealing With Mental Illness
Depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and other mental health conditions affect all aspects of one’s life. An untreated mental illness can make it hard for you to care for your partner or the rest of the family. Mental health disorders can also lead to poor performance at work, which can in turn create financial strain. Sometimes, untreated mental illnesses can lead to unhealthy power dynamics in a relationship, as is the case with codependency and narcissism. Couples counseling can help you and your partner navigate these challenges and strengthen your bond along the way.
