Good relationships take work. Whether you’ve been with your partner for many years or just a few months, there’s always room for improvement. If you have been considering couples counseling but are unsure whether your relationship would benefit, then you have come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of signs indicating that couples counseling could benefit your relationship.
You Have Different Views on Parenting
Being a parent is hard. Parenting with the views and style of another person adds another element to parenting. Different parenting styles can put a strain on the relationship and lead to many disagreements. Many dating experts even recommend discussing parenting styles and preferences before getting into a serious relationship with another person.
Differences in things like whether or not you want kids, how many kids, and how to raise your existing kids can lead to a conflicted partnership. Couples counseling provides you with a safe space to discuss these differences and learn how to come to a common ground that benefits everyone.
Communication Is Nonexistent
Consider communication the foundation for a healthy relationship. Whether you feel like your partner isn’t willing to communicate or you just feel a general disconnect, couples counseling may help. Sometimes, we all need a refresher when it comes to learning active listening and communication skills. Differences in communication styles can also lead to a general disconnect between partners.
In couples counseling, you and your partner can work together on learning new communication skills that help you form a deeper relationship. Couples counseling can also help partners discuss difficult topics like infidelity, addiction, jealousy, or trust. Counseling provides a safe space to bring up any concerns in the relationship.
You Argue or Disagree a Lot
Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship. However, if you feel as if your arguments or disagreements make up the majority of your relationship or as if they’re never truly resolved, counseling may be the way to go. Arguments can be a great way to learn about your spouse, allowing you and your partner the opportunity to continue improving.
Couples counseling helps you and your partner explore common themes within your fights while also identifying ways to use disagreements to strengthen your relationship. Having a third party present during arguments can also be helpful, as the counselor can point out tips and identifications that may not be as obvious when you’re in the midst of a disagreement.
Counseling can also be beneficial in discussing boundaries, which are often a common disagreement topic. Expressing and following boundaries is an important part of a successful relationship.
You or Your Spouse Is Unhappy
Counseling should be considered whenever one or both partners are unhappy or unsatisfied with their relationship. Couples counseling allows each partner to individually explore their feelings of dissatisfaction and learn how to express them to their partners.
In some cases, individual counseling may be recommended before couples counseling to explore issues that may not be related to one partner’s unhappiness. However, coming together for a few couples counseling sessions after individual ones can be beneficial as it brings the other person into the intimate relationship. Online counseling sessions can be an excellent way to explore both individual and couples’ issues at the same time.
Your Relationship Lacks Intimacy
Intimacy is another foundation for a good relationship. It’s important to note that intimacy doesn’t just mean physical touch. Intimacy also includes a feeling of being connected or close to your partner. Bringing up the topic of a lack of intimacy can be difficult for many people, and counseling may be the perfect opportunity to talk about it. Therapy in itself is intimate, which can be an excellent starting point for discussing similar concerns.
You’re Experiencing or Expecting a Major Life Change
Couples counseling doesn’t have to be a treatment for a problem. Some couples may even benefit from preventative counseling when experiencing or expecting a major life change. Most couples go through major life changes, whether bringing home a new baby, changing careers, losing a parent, or moving to a new state. Even moving within the same state can bring up new issues in a relationship.
Preemptively scheduling an online counseling session before and during these changes can ensure that you and your partner are on the same page and aware of each other’s feelings and thoughts. Considering separation or divorce is also a good time to seek couples counseling. Exploring your reasons for wanting to end the relationship may help you and your partner overcome common issues.
Couples counseling offers many benefits to partners, including consistent parenting, better communication, improved satisfaction, and better preparation for major life changes. Couples who decide to attend counseling tend to feel more connected to their partners and enjoy a significant boost in relationship satisfaction.
