Couples Therapy
Are Communication Issues Preventing You From Getting Your Needs Met In Your Relationship?
Do you and your partner have problems when it comes to resolving conflicts?
Is this a result of trying to co-parent, or do you have different parenting styles that clash?
Has a new job, a baby, or a move introduced stress into your lives?
Do you and your partner find yourselves feeling anxious or disconnected since these changes occurred?
The two of you may have issues regulating emotions during conflicts, or sometimes, specific boundaries you have put in place are crossed. Perhaps you are stressed out and worried about the future of your relationship, causing feelings of hopelessness and leading to isolation from each other.
Life doesn’t have to feel like this, and you don’t have to continue living with a lack of communication and connection. Couples therapy can help you both learn how to solve conflicts peacefully.
When A Couples’ Needs Aren’t Being Met, It Can Lead To Relational Discord
The absence of emotional connection you two may be experiencing could mean that you want more time alone, your wants and needs are invalidated, or you feel unwanted as a companion. Over time, these problems may lead to many sleepless nights as insomnia starts to develop and frustration sets in.
Physical intimacy might get less and less frequent, and communication may become only your run-of-the-mill “let’s get through the day” type of conversation. You no longer have those deep and meaningful conversations about your dreams or hopes for the future. The relationship feels stagnant and unfulfilling.
All hope is not lost. You can get your relationship back on track and have that close bond you had before. Couples therapy can help you get on the road to rebuilding it, empowering you and your partner to create a deeper, more mature connection.
There Are So Many Factors That Can Cause Friction In A Relationship
In today’s world, couples face a myriad of challenges, especially with the pervasive influence of social media. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparing our lives to others, and this can really take a toll on our relationships. People often present a picture-perfect version of their lives online, making us feel like our relationships are falling short by comparison.
What’s more, there can be pressure to conform to societal and cultural norms regarding relationships. Whether it’s familial expectations or religious beliefs, there’s often this sense of having to fit into a specific mold. Division of labor and gender roles don’t have guidebooks. Figure out what works best for you and your partnership versus any outside influences.
In some circles, there is pressure to marry within one’s own cultural or religious communities. This can be tough for couples who want to make their own choices about their relationships. So, why do couples often avoid seeking help for these problems?
Many people feel guilty or ashamed about their actions and tend to avoid dealing with them. They might have thoughts and emotions that they’re reluctant to share because they’re afraid of how their partner might react, or because they're worried about being judged or rejected by friends, family, or society in general. Ultimately, fear, embarrassment, shame, and guilt can all stop people from confronting certain issues.
Couples therapy can teach you and your partner how to manage emotions and properly assess what decisions are best for your relationship.
Couples Counseling Can Teach You About Your Personal Communication Style And Love Languages
Modalities Utilized in Couples Therapy
At Creative Therapies, our counselors will employ different modalities and skills to help you meet your goals. Some of these may include:
Psychoeducation for couples communication: This approach seeks to help you learn about the different communication styles and practice skills and tools learned in therapy in the outside world to strengthen communication.
Solution focused therapy: Change can’t come about without action. While we want to educate you on communication styles and love languages, we also want to equip you with practical skills that you can use to meet your present goals
Mindfulness Based Therapy: Mindfulness is about being more aware of yourself, your partner, and being a healthier couple as a whole.
As we work together, you and your partner can grow as a couple and as individuals. You can become more connected mentally, emotionally, and physically. The daily stresses of life will still be there, but they will be a bit easier to handle once you two can work together as a team.
Here at Creative Therapies, our dedicated couples counselors will guide you in finding your communication style and love language. By knowing these things about yourself and one another, you can effectively communicate your needs and desires to your partner, thus cutting down on the amount of miscommunication that takes place between you. After all, self-awareness is the key to all growth in a relationship. When you understand your needs and desires on a deeper level, you can reduce relationship stress, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and hold true to your values. Moreover, the two of you can learn to practice your own method of self-care while still enjoying activities together.
For those who are now co-parenting, improving your communication styles and learning how to communicate more effectively can make co-parenting easier. You can learn to navigate parenting disagreements peacefully and constructively, understanding that sometimes you have to compromise in order to do what’s best for your children.
As we work together, we want to help you achieve better communication, effective conflict resolution, and increased emotional and physical intimacy.
You May Be Interested In Couples Therapy But Have More Questions…
I feel as if my marriage/partnership has “failed” if we attend couples therapy.
Going to therapy is not an admission of failure it’s a sign that you and your significant other want the best for each other and are willing to invest time and money into your marriage or relationship. There is no shame in seeking help it’s normal, it’s healthy, and many couples do it to enhance their bond and ensure they are prepared to handle life’s challenges. Besides, the problems in your relationship don’t have to be the sole reason for seeking help. You and your partner may be doing relatively well, but simply want to be proactive and get ahead of the game by seeking support.
I am concerned that the therapist will take sides with my partner.
Our therapists are dedicated to functioning as a unified team with each couple we see. Regardless of the challenges couples face, therapists strive to assist the couple in reaching their counseling objectives while maintaining impartiality. This way, there is no bias and you are both equally supported, encouraged, and empowered to do your part in your relationship.
I have a full schedule and don’t feel like I can commit to therapy.
Failing to prioritize your relationship may only perpetuate and exacerbate any existing issues. And in the long run, the benefits of improving your relationship far exceed the time and money spent on therapy. After all, your marriage or relationship is probably one of the most important things in your life, so you deserve all the support you can get.
If you’re really finding it hard to make room in your schedule, We offer in-person and virtual sessions to make things as easy for you as possible. Evening appointments are also available for those who can’t make it during work hours. We seek to accommodate the couples we see in whatever way we can.
Are You Ready To Have A Deeper Connection With Your Partner?
If you want to strengthen your relationship, we are ready to help through improved communication and healthy ways of expressing needs and desires. Call Creative Therapies at (919) 410-7858.