Factors of everyday life can put an abundant strain on a relationship. Severe stressors may include resentment, infidelity, intimacy issues, lack of trust, and miscommunication. When problems go unresolved, or a partner is suffering from mental illness or health complications, one can feel helpless or have feelings of guilt or shame. Communicating effectively on both parts can alleviate emotional anxiety from subjects of all kind.
Couples often seek couples or marriage counseling when the relationship is at a standstill, or if they are unsure whether or not the relationship is worth salvaging. This type of therapy can benefit families with children who have been affected by relationship issues such as divorce, and confront the source of the conflict.
Treatment techniques may include the following depending on the therapist:
- Gottman Method
- Narrative Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Imago Relationship Therapy
- Analyzing Your Communication
- Getting to the root of the problem
- Enhancing Intimacy
- Individual Counseling
- Couple Retreat
When a relationship is showing signs of addiction, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and/or severe depression, seek guidance from a counselor immediately, for your safety and your partner.
If you believe you and your significant other are ready for couple's therapy, please be prepared to have homework that focuses on the individuals separately and when united in their natural environment, outside of sessions.
If you are in a domestic violence situation I urge you to seek counseling as an individual. It is imperative that a counselor remains unbiased when working with couples and family; however, if one member of the couple is violent then the counselor is put on shaky grounds in terms of remaining unbiased. With that said, the person inflicting the pain is welcome to attend counseling as an individual but the two individuals should see separate counselors.