Couples counselling can help couples work through relationship issues, improve communication, and increase connection and understanding between partners. It can also help couples deal with specific issues such as infidelity, financial difficulties, issue with the marital processes or parenting conflicts.
Couples counselling can also be beneficial for couples who have not yet reached a crisis point in their relationship but want to improve their relationship. By addressing issues early on, couples can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
It is important to note that couples counselling is not a magic solution and that it requires the commitment and effort of both partners to make it work. However, for couples who are willing to put in the work, counselling can be a valuable tool for improving their relationship and building a stronger bond.
Below are just a few of the major benefits that can come out of couples counselling:
- manage conflict through talk
- Deeper connection and renewed understanding in the relationship
- Re-negotiating commitments and making decisions
Couples often turn to couples counselling when they recognize that their relationship is facing challenges. Sometimes, these issues have been ignored for so long that the relationship is already in a severe state of crisis. It is best for couples to find help as soon as they realize they are unable to resolve problems on their own.
Research has shown that the way a couple interacts, and how they handle conflicts can accurately predict the longevity of the relationship. It is crucial to address and resolve problems early on in order to prevent the relationship from reaching a crisis point or ending.
All relationships have their ups and downs. Sometimes issues are present from the start, while other times they may arise after years of being together or due to unexpected stressors. Regardless of the issues present in a relationship, many couples can benefit from couples or relationship counselling.
What is relationship counselling?
To gain insight into the potential benefits of couples counselling for your relationship, it is essential to understand what couples counselling entails and why couples seek out this type of therapy.
Couples counselling typically involves meeting with a professional counsellor, therapist, or psychologist to address and resolve issues that are causing stress or distance in the relationship.
It’s important to note that couples counselling is not limited to romantic relationships and can also include other family relationships, friendships, and work relationships.
Couples may need relationship counselling for a variety of reasons, some more severe than others. For example, chronic or constant fighting, infidelity, or differences in sexual desire are considered significant issues.
Other couples may seek counselling to make decisions about specific topics such as where to live, whether to get married, or whether to have a child. Additionally, some couples may attend counselling to better understand each other and make an informed decision about a long-term commitment.
a lot of couples turn to relationship counselling as a means of support during difficult times or periods of transition in their relationship.
What are Marriage Counsellors
Marriage counsellors, also known as marriage and family therapists, are professionals who provide counselling services to couples and families. They are trained to help individuals and families address a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and relationship issues. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches to help couples and families build trust, and resolve relationship conflicts. They also work with couples to address issues related to closeness, infidelity, parenting, and other issues that may be impacting their relationship. Marriage counsellors are typically licensed by the state in which they practice and typically have a master’s degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field.
Why Go to Couples Counselling sessions?
The many helpful benefits of couples counselling include:
- Improving communication, reducing the frequency and intensity of arguments, and increasing understanding of each other’s needs and reactions.
- Revitalizing lost sexual attraction and re-establishing a sense of emotional connection within the relationship.
- Negotiating or renegotiating commitments in the relationship.
- Recover from a big fight that has been ongoing for some time.
- Learn why you or your partner feel a certain way.
Improving communication skills
A relationship is composed of two individuals, each with their own personal history, personality, needs, hopes, and desires. It is normal for even the most compatible couples to disagree on certain issues. Maintaining a relationship requires ongoing communication, negotiation, compromise, and understanding.
Effective communication is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship. Research in Australia has shown that communication issues are a leading cause of relationship problems. The ability to effectively communicate with each other, such as sharing our own needs and fears and actively listening to our partner’s needs and fears, is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining a strong connection in a relationship.
Couples counselling can also help partners understand each other’s perspectives and feelings, which can lead to a deeper understanding and empathy for each other. This can help improve intimacy and emotional connection in the relationship. In addition, a counsellor can help couples set realistic goals for their relationship and work towards achieving them, which can lead to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. Overall, couples counseling can be highly beneficial for addressing and resolving issues within a relationship and improving the overall health and well-being of the partnership.
Restoring Romantic relationships and lost intimacy
As the relationship progresses, couples may find that they have less time for each other, and that daily stressors and responsibilities can take a toll on their emotional connection. This can lead to feelings of distance, dissatisfaction and disconnection. a couples counselling session can help couples to rekindle the intimacy and emotional connection they once had, by helping them to understand and address the reasons for the decline in connection, and by providing strategies for improving communication and emotional connection.
Couples counselling can help couples to re-establish relationship intimacy and connection by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to these feelings. A qualified therapist can help couples to identify and communicate their needs, and provide them with the tools and strategies to improve their relationship and restore closeness. This can include addressing issues such as differences in sexual desire, lack of time spent together, or unresolved conflicts. By addressing these issues and working together, couples can rekindle their feelings of love and connection, improving their overall relationship satisfaction.
Many people choose to attend therapy sessions with a professional counsellor or therapist in order to resolve issues causing distress or distance in their relationships. A therapist can help couples understand the underlying causes of their distress, and provide them with the tools and skills to communicate effectively, reignite intimacy, and navigate the process of coming together and separating in a healthy and positive way.
Overall, couples counselling can help strengthen and improve a couple’s relationship by providing a deeper understanding of each other and the relationship, and by equipping them with the skills and tools to navigate the ups and downs of a long-term relationship.
Qualified marriage counsellors can help a couple navigate through these normal developmental phases of a marital relationship and restore lost emotional and physical closeness.
Fixing Commitment issues with relationship counselling
A professional counsellor can help couples navigate the challenges of making important decisions and commitments in their relationship, by facilitating open and honest communication, addressing fears and concerns, and working towards a shared understanding and agreement. Through this process, couples can gain a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and perspectives, and develop positive outcomes for their relationship moving forward.
A professional relationship counsellor can also help a couple navigate the challenges that may arise when making new commitments in a relationship. This includes discussing concerns and fears and working together to find solutions that work for both parties. They can assist in negotiating and re-negotiating responsibilities, such as changes in familial and household roles, that may come with new commitments. This can help the couple make informed decisions and reach clear, workable agreements.
Stacey and Andrew’s story
Stacey and Andrew came to see us as they reported that resentments had built up in their relationship over a long period. They reported their communication style was like they were “passing ships”. Andrew worked as a FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) to a mine site. He worked long days and on his return home was tired and lacking in energy for the first couple of days. Stacey complained that he didn’t get enough done and that she bore most of the responsibility of their two children and expected him to step up and help out more when he was home. Andrew felt misunderstood and resentful of Sally’s “nagging” and avoided her while at home either by sleeping or going out with his mates. This relationship pattern fuelled and deepened the split between them and often resulted in a big fight between them. They decided it was time to reach out for professional support from a therapist to help their relationship. Our therapist helped established more empathy in each person. The therapist also highlighted how each party’s childhood dynamics were continually being played out in their relationship. When this pattern was highlighted. both Stacey and Andrew recognised how they were projecting their family history onto their relationship. The therapist allowed each partner express their grievances and their anger in a grounded and healthy way. Our therapist fostered more accountability and vulnerability in their relationship. The counselling enabled the feelings of resentment and hostility to subside over time. They also learnt to communicate in a more respectful, thoughtful and loving way. This is one of may examples of couples whom we have helped over the years.
How to Find Help from a professional relationship counsellor?
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulties or having conflict in your relationship, it may be time to decide and research seeking support from a professional counsellor. Through working with a counsellor, you can learn effective communication skills, manage conflict, address underlying issues, and improve your connection with each other. To explore the options for relationship counselling, contact Energetics Institute for more information and to schedule a consultation with a qualified professional. Our therapists have worked with and helped many couples help improve their communications skills.
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