Are you or your partner finding it difficult to communicate effectively with one another? Are you and your partner starting to feel disconnected, unable to resolve a feeling without getting into a conflict?
If so, relationship counselling could be what you both need to get the relationship back on track. The idea of couples counselling has often carried a negative stigma for either one or both couple members.
They are often seen as a last-ditch effort to save a relationship or patch a relationship-ending conflict, widely regarded as only done by failing couples. However, counselling has much more to offer couples at every step of their relationship.
In our latest blog article, we'll explore what relationship counselling is and what kind of signs that a relationship could be in trouble and finish with our top 5 reasons relationship counselling can help every couple improve their relationship.
By the end, you will have a better understanding and feel more confident knowing more about relationship counselling and equip you and your partner with the tools to help build a stronger, healthier relationship.
Whether dealing with trust issues, struggling with intimacy, or simply looking to improve your communication skills, read on to discover the benefits of relationship counselling.
What is relationship counselling?
Relationship counselling is a type of therapy that can help a couple improve their romantic relationship. Couples work with a certified therapist to address problems, resolve conflict, and learn tools and techniques to improve communication and collaborative problem-solving.
There are many kinds of relationship counselling, so whether you and your partner are struggling through conflict or want to learn how to be more communicative and helpful to one another, there is value in seeing a relationship counsellor. Counsellors give relationship advice and help each couple member address things that can improve the couple.
Signs your relationship is in trouble.
While your relationship does not have to be in trouble for you to find value in relationship counselling, those couples who are seeing trouble in their relationship can turn to couples therapy for help.
Here are some signs that your relationship could benefit from professional relationship counselling.
#1. It is hard to communicate with your partner.
Communication is the key to any successful relationship. If you and your partner have trouble communicating, that could be a sign that you should seek help.
Relationship counselling may be significant if your partner doesn't speak to you, won't share as much as they used to, or gets angry whenever you talk.
#2. You have started spending less time around your partner
Quality time together can help build trust within a relationship. If you and your partner have stopped trying to spend time together, it may be time to seek professional counselling.
If you and your partner intentionally avoid each other and choose individual activities over doing things together, counselling can help you.
#3. Both are quick to argue and feel resentment after conflict.
Arguments are a natural and healthy part of any relationship. However, if an argument arises from the most minor issues, you may need outside help.
If you and your partner quickly get into an argument when trying to solve minor problems, there could be built-up resentment that needs to be addressed. Feeling lasting resentment for your partner is not great for your relationship. Relationship counselling can help you address your resentment and save your relationship.
5 Ways relationship counselling can help
Relationship counselling can help every couple improve their relationship by working together to develop new skills. Here are five ways that relationship counselling can help save and improve your relationship.
1. Build Communication Skills
Learning how to communicate effectively with your partner is a massive benefit of relationship counselling. A trained therapist will be able to teach you and your partner a variety of techniques that can be used to improve listening and communication.
Relationship counselling can help you better understand how to meet your partner's communication needs. You will learn how to speak effectively to your partner and how you can be a better listener. Learning how to communicate with your partner is a huge step in improving your relationship.
2. Improve Intimacy
One of the most common issues with troubled couples is a lack of intimacy. Relationship counselling can help you and your partner foster more quality intimacy. Being intimate with your partner is all about finding an emotional connection within your relationship.
A counsellor can give you the tools you and your partner need to rekindle the flame of passion and build intimacy. Intimacy can help you see your partner on a romantic level to show each other more appreciation for your impact on each other's lives. Relationship counselling can help mediate and foster that process.
3. Rebuild trust
Trust is the foundation of any great relationship. When trust is broken, it can be challenging to rebuild. Relationship therapy can give you and your partner the tools and the safe space you may need to rebuild trust.
Whether a specific incident caused distrust or it has been dwindling over time, relationship counselling can help couples understand each other and be open about the past. This journey can help couples rebuild trust, which can improve any relationship.
4. Grow Understanding and Empathy
Resentment can be a dividing force in any relationship. Understanding and empathizing with your partner can help you reduce resentment and increase feelings of appreciation.
Relationship counselling can give you and your partner a platform to share everything you are going through. Sharing your feelings with your partner can help them see how you feel and what you may need from them during stressful situations. A counsellor can help give you and your partner techniques to empathize with one another during difficult times.
5. Build Problem-Solving Skills Together
Solving problems together is what a relationship is all about. Relationship therapy can equip you and your partner with everything you need to face problems together and win.
Teamwork makes the dream work, but if you and your partner need more confidence in your ability to work together, you may need the help of a counsellor. A counsellor can help you deal with issues together and reflect on how you can help each other succeed in the relationship and life.
Remember, Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
The idea of going to relationship counselling can be scary for some couples. Here at Avery Therapy, we understand that every relationship is different, so we are committed to helping you and your partner grow your relationship to reach its full potential.