If you had to rate how well your relationship with your partner is working out, what would that number be? And what would your partner say? Do you think that number warrants couples therapy? The somewhat surprising answer is that no matter how you would rate your relationship, therapy still might be the path forward.
Check-in
You keep meaning to talk to your partner about your relationship, but something keeps getting in the way. Scheduling couples therapy promotes having a series of conversations. Hopefully, these conversations will reaffirm your commitment with each other and demonstrate that you’re both on the same page. However, there may be unexpected issues that arise. Whatever the case, it’s important to make the time to invest in and work on your relationship.
A little shakeup
Sometimes, no matter how solid a relationship is, a little shakeup is needed. The same routines can be familiar, but are they exciting? Is there still passion in your relationship? Talking with a couples therapist can allow you to probe new feelings and see if subtle changes can be made.
Outside perspective
Are you having the same argument over and over again? You sort of make an effort to resolve the issue, but in a few month’s time, the same issue pops up again. If you keep trying to solve the same problem by doing the same thing, you’re not going to get very far.
Instead, couples therapy can help you move beyond feeling stuck. Perhaps there’s a whole other issue that needs to be resolved? Maybe there’s an easy solution right in front of you, but you’re both too close to the problem to really see it. Whatever the case may be, couples therapy will help you work together to find an acceptable resolution.
Mediation
In professional fights, there needs to be a referee. The same goes for couples when they argue. Time outs need to be called, rules need to be enforced, and a fair fight has to be established. Couples therapy offers the referee to your arguments. It won’t award points or declare a winner, but it will help shape the parameters and ensure that both people have the opportunity to be heard and understood. Teamwork is a lot more rewarding than a dirty fight.
Look to the future
More than anything, an investment in couples therapy means that you want there to be a future. If there are issues, you’re willing to work at them. The first step in scheduling a couples therapy session is often the hardest step. But the commitment to working together is commendable. You are saying that there is hope for the future!
