5 Signs in Considering Relationship Counselling

If you have ever been in a relationship, it is pretty much guaranteed that you have experienced relationship issues. A certain level of conflict in a relationship is inevitable, and can even be healthy and beneficial. But not all conflicts are created equal. Some are simply a matter of opinion, where there is no “right” answer. Others can be argued over and over again, with no constructive resolution. Some can even lead to saying things that can’t be taken back. In such cases, a couples therapist can help two people learn how to approach conflict in a way that will benefit their relationship, rather than harm it. So here are five signs that you may benefit from relationship counselling.

Communication Issues

The best way to deal with conflict is to prevent it in the first place. A lot of arguments we have with others could be avoided if we had better communication. In a relationship, arguments can arise from issues such as planning dinner, or managing finances, for example. Both parties can have ideas or expectations that don’t align with the other, which can cause an argument to erupt seemingly out of nowhere. Learning when and how to communicate will be one of the first and most important steps in your relationship counselling journey.

Frequent Fighting

While there is nothing wrong with having the occasional disagreement, frequently fighting with your other half could indicate that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Whether it is a straightforward case of splitting the housework, or something more deep-rooted, a relationship counsellor can help a couple work to identify the source of this issue, and work on ways to address it without devolving into another fight.

Trust

Whether it’s with a friend, family member, other half, doctor, or plumber, trust is the bedrock upon which all of our relationships are built. Without trust, we have no reason or desire to put the effort into building a relationship, as there is a chance we may end up wasting our time and being hurt. In a relationship, trust is often equated with fidelity. While staying faithful is important, trust applies to everything, such as finances, health, and your past. While you don’t need to sacrifice any semblance of privacy, it is crucial that both members of a couple are on the same page in terms of what should or should not be discussed, and a therapist can help draw that line.

Transition

In many cases, a couple can be perfectly happy until they encounter a transition in life. Whether it’s moving, sending the kids to college, or winning the lotto, it is common for couples to react to change in different ways, which can often lead to conflict and cause other issues. In cases like these, a therapist can help the couple adjust to the change, identifying what worked before, and how to apply that success and mentality to their new situation.

Growing Apart

We all change as time goes on, but not necessarily in the same ways. Our interests and desires change as we grow, and while there may not be a specific issue or a total loss of interest, it is not uncommon for a relationship to lose its spark. Relationship therapy can help address these issues by finding ways that both people can feel fulfilled, while staying engaged and interested in one another.

Making the decision to enter relationship counselling is not an easy one, but if you are considering it, it could be the right choice. With between 70 and 90% of couples saying they benefitted from relationship counselling, if the relationship is one you really want to work, then therapy might be the best decision you could make.