Couples who undergo counseling together before marriage have a 30% higher marital success than those who don’t.
Couple therapy is a dedicated time to clear the air, strengthen your bond, and find practical ways to move forward. Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the benefits of couples therapy and want to learn more.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven to consider.
What Is Couples Therapy?
“What is couples therapy?” You ask.
Couples counseling is when a therapist with clinical experience helps two people gain insight into their relationship, resolve any issues, and improve their quality of life together. You needn’t be in a romantic relationship to benefit from couples therapy, it’s also useful for siblings, parents and child, and even business partners.
Wondering “How does couples therapy work?”
The couple will ask standard interview questions about the history of the relationship as well as the partner’s values, cultural background, and history. The therapist will then help couples identify the problems and create goals so they arrive at a solution.
You’re still on the fence about couple therapy. To help you, check out these benefits of couples counseling. For example:
1. Helps You See the Other Perspective
Sometimes it’s difficult to see the other side of the argument when you’re deep into it. Mixed communication is the cause of many conflicts so it’s good to be in a space where each partner can discuss what has been troubling them.
Here, the therapist will help you navigate your partner’s emotions and thought process so you understand where they’re coming from. If this is a recurring issue, then consider a couple’s retreat where you can discover more about your partner and find ways to strengthen your bond.
2. Resolve Obstacles Early On
Arguing in a relationship is healthy in small doses but consistent fighting eventually weakens your relationship. Many couples go to therapy once these small issues have grown into massive ordeals whether it’s about starting a family or a lack of trust.
But you should consider couple therapy early on to pinpoint problems. It’s easier to work through the smaller issues so they don’t threaten your relationship later on.
Further, it’s key to solve any issues if you’ve got children around. Kids pick up traits of what they see and hear so you must find ways to remove conflict from your relationship.
3. Strengthens Intimacy and Connection
The start of a relationship is filled with feelings of warmth, love, and generosity for your partner. Naturally, the “honeymoon period” subsides as you learn more about your partner and relationship dynamic against the backdrop of your lives.
Many people forget to prioritize quality time while others feel too exhausted to work on their relationship. This makes couples therapy invaluable because it reminds partners to spend more time together and reignite the spark.
4. Promotes Self-Awareness
Couples therapy also looks at you both individually. Meeting your therapist will highlight your unique personality, thought processes, and what motivates you in life.
Although couple therapy mainly focuses on your relationship, it also reveals how you treat other people like friends and coworkers. As a result, you’ll transform other areas of your lives simply by attending couples therapy.
Plus, having space where you can be honest about personal problems will make you happier in the long run. You’ll be at peace which means you can be present with your partner and treat them better.
5. Lets You Clarify Your Feelings
Sometimes we don’t know how we feel about our partner and if we want to move forward in the relationship. But when you have a set time with a licensed therapist, you can deconstruct your thoughts and feelings so you know the next step.
Plus, your therapist will shine a light on parts of your relationship you’ve overlooked which gives you a fresh perspective.
6. Improved Communication
Around 57.7% of couples divorce because of arguing and a lack of communication.
It’s important to voice our needs and fears while acknowledging our partners’ voices. But realistically, it’s difficult to have perfect communication which is why couples therapy is crucial.
A reputable therapist is trained to highlight poor communication habits and teach both partners how to communicate effectively. Attending a therapy session is a great start because you’re both talking openly and honestly about your relationship.
Eventually, you’ll both learn to resolve problems so your bond stays strong even during tough times.
7. Reestablishes Your Commitments
Couples therapy lets you discuss any worries you have about commitments. These could be having children, financial, or a general commitment to nurturing the relationship.
Your level of commitment can be influenced by personal interests, concerns, and fears so you must both be honest about them. The therapist will explain what commitment means and why you can’t be vague with it as it could upset the other party.
During the session, both partners should air their fears and reach a practical agreement so everyone leaves happy.
Those Are the Benefits of Couples Therapy
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the benefits of couples therapy.
Couples therapy lets you listen, empathize, and deal with any issues in the relationship. The licensed therapist will help you reestablish your commitments, improve your communication, and eliminate problems that could arrive in the future. Make sure you use the time wisely and work with your partner towards a better relationship. Good luck!
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