Do I need a psychotherapist for relationship issues? There is some outdated notion that if a relationship is meant to be, it will easily fall into place. That is not entirely true. Of course, too much struggle is a sign of a problematic relationship that should perhaps not be maintained. However, healthy relationships do require a balance of ease alongside purposeful work intended to build, strengthen, and maintain the relationship over time. Oftentimes, couples elect to use relationship counseling to support the longevity of their relationship.
Counseling for Pre-Marital Preparation
One good time to attend relationship counseling is before you commit into marriage. Shifting from dating to fiancés to a married couple can be a big change. As your relationship status changes and your life shifts accordingly, it can be helpful to talk over all the details in pre-marital counseling.
A relationship counselor can assist an engaged couple in establishing healthy communication patterns, figuring out what their married life will look like, and equip them to deal with anything unexpected that may occur during their lives together. This is a good investment of time to plan for a marriage not just a wedding. Most couples counselors can provide pre-marital counseling if you just request it.
Counseling a Distressed Relationship
Often couples seek out counseling when they are facing some distress in their relationship that may seem to threaten the health or longevity of it. There are many different circumstances that can cause distress in a couples’ relationship. Each couple may experience their own compilation of challenges.
Some couples find they grow apart over time and need assistance growing back together. Some couples face unique difficulties such as a miscarriage or the loss of a child. Others may face difficulties in communication and emotional withdrawal from one another. Still others may face trust issues they need to resolve. It can sometimes be difficult to know how to repair such matters without outside help.
Strengthening Any Committed Relationship
Even still, the choice to attend couples counseling does not necessarily require a big change in the relationship or a significant problem. Many couples choose to attend relationship counseling simply to strengthen their relationship and perhaps to avoid any major relationship problems in the future.
Attending relationship counseling can give a couple the chance to discuss their similarities and differences, their communication styles, and the way those factors could affect their interactions with one another. Couples can learn how to communicate most effectively with each other, how to have healthy disagreements, and how to work through difficult times together rather than drawing apart.
Closing Thoughts
Relationships are not always easy and sometimes a couple needs the assistance of another perspective to help them build a solid foundation, strengthen it over time, and work through any challenges they may face.
If you want to pursue relationship counseling, consider contacting Licensed Clinical Social Worker Laurie Sloan at 212-413-7088 today, to schedule an appointment. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Laurie has helped many couples strengthen their bonds. She can help you too.