Saving Your Relationship With Couples Therapy

Often, couples go through difficult times where communication breaks down and either one or both parties is unhappy. Whether you are married or just in a committed relationship, sometimes counseling or therapy is needed to help salvage the relationship. This type of counseling is usually performed by a licensed therapist who specializes in this type of help. While it may not save all marriages, it can be a useful tool in helping identify issues and correct them.

When is it Needed?

In most cases, one or both members of a relationship may decide it's time to seek help from a third party. This desire for help can stem from a number of different issues, depending on the individual situation. Some of the most common reasons for counseling include:

• Financial problems
• Infidelity
• Communication breakdown or lack of communication
• Anger issues
• Abuse such as drugs or alcohol
• Sexual problems
• Problems with children that are affecting the relationship

The Counseling Process

When people attend marriage or couples therapy, they should expect to go to the sessions together most of the time; however, individuals may also wish to speak to a therapist privately on their own. If you're getting ready for therapy together, there are some things to be aware of before you go in order to help make the process go smoothly and to achieve progress.

• Understand that the process of healing and getting your relationship back to normal does not happen overnight. It typically takes several sessions before real progress can be made.
• Go into your counseling with an open mind, and be prepared to be honest and open about all issues.
• Mentally prepare yourself for potential arguments and disagreements that may occur during counseling. This is all part of the healing process and allows you both to get your issues out on the table to be addressed.
• Write down some key issues and questions for your therapist that will help them get a better understanding of the situation and your concerns.
• Try to keep any information or situations that arise private between you and your spouse or partner. Therapy is meant to be a time where you can open up yet do so in a private setting.
• In order for counseling to be a success, each party must be open to listening to their partner fully and try to understand the other's point of view. Go in with an open heart and mind, and be thankful that your significant other is willing to seek help in order to save your relationship.

If you're interested in couple counseling, visit Comprehensive Behavioral Health Associates Inc.