Even in the best of relationships, communication problems and difficulties can arise. Inability to express emotions, misunderstanding of each other’s needs or differences in expectations are just a few examples of obstacles that can stand between two loving people and lead to a crisis between them. However, if both sides still care about each other, it is worth trying to fight for the relationship. Couples therapy may be the solution. When should you benefit from couple therapy, and what to expect?
Couples therapy - what is it about?
Couples therapy has a simple goal – to help you work through your relationship problems, find a mutually satisfactory solution, and heal the relationship. It is never possible to predict whether it will bring the expected result, but taking advantage of it is sometimes the only chance to improve relations and reach an agreement.
The task of therapy for couples is to make both parties aware of the reasons for the conflict and to find the cause of the situation in which they find themselves. Partners sometimes blame each other for relationship problems and even if they want to fix everything, they cannot do it. The therapist helps them break them down into prime factors, then work through them and open up to each other.
The therapist decides how the therapy will proceed and what methods will be used only after understanding the situation the couple is struggling with. Just going to couples therapy is only half the battle. Working on a relationship requires a lot of commitment from both sides. The therapist can help you understand each other better, but it is up to the partners to solve the problems.
Indications for the use of therapy for couples
It is worth considering participating in couples therapy when there are problems in the relationship, such as:
- depression or addiction of one of the partners,
- difficulties in dealing with chronic conflict and the inability to reach an agreement,
- problems with everyday communication,
- suspicion, distrust, jealousy,
- limiting freedom through constant control,
- overprotection,
- emotional dependence on a partner,
- blaming each other for problems,
- unworked regret for painful situations from the past,
- betrayal.
Couples therapy - benefits
Attending couples therapy has the following benefits:
- changes the view on the account,
- allows you to get to know yourself better, your needs and expectations towards your partner, as well as the needs and expectations of the other party towards ourselves,
- improves communication, which is the basis of a successful relationship,
- allows you to find the cause of problems and resolve conflicts,
- deepens the bond between partners and helps to rebuild the lost bond,
- helps to find a compromise and find a way out of a difficult situation that satisfies both partners,
- solves problems of a sexual nature,
- helps to overcome difficulties related to trying for children,
- modifies dysfunctional behavior,
- teaches you to better express your emotions.
How long is the therapy for couples?
It is difficult to assume in advance how long a couple therapy will last, as each case is different and requires an individual approach. However, you have to be prepared that it will be a long process that will take from several months to a year or even longer. Meetings with the therapist usually take place once a week.
Only strong motivation of partners to work on the relationship can accelerate the therapy. They both need to be open-minded and ready to make changes.
Couples therapy - when is it not a good idea?
It does not always make sense to use couples therapy, even if both parties are willing to take it to fight for a relationship. A contraindication may be, for example, the presence of a mental illness in one of the parties, or physical violence of one of the partners against the other. Then a better solution may be the help of, for example, a psychiatrist.
Sometimes one of the partners stays in another relationship and does not want to end it, then the chances of obtaining results from the therapy for couples are small. This also applies if one of the partners has decided to divorce. If the parties are not able to reach an agreement and come to an agreement on matters that are important to them, then even a mediator can help them.