Good Reasons to Seek Relationship Counseling

The statistics when it comes to the success of long-term relationships, especially marriages, are not great. 50% of first marriages end in divorce. With these statistics, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. 

Here are good reasons to seek relationship counselling.

Preventive measure

Plenty of couples go to see a relationship counsellor as a preventive measure. There’s nothing wrong in the relationship, but they are looking to get professional help to strengthen their relationship. This is usually the case at the beginning of a marriage or just before in the form of premarital counselling. It’s a great way to have important conversations and set the tone for a healthy relationship.

Poor communication

Communication can make or break a relationship. A lot of us are poor communicators, and this can be exacerbated if one or both of you shuts down during conflict or does not communicate their feelings. A lack of good communication can easily lead to resentment, reduce intimacy and serious conflict. A professional can help you pick up tools to effectively communicate and therefore save your relationship.

Infidelity

A betrayal of trust is a difficult thing to move past. There’s a lot of work that needs to go into working through infidelity and this usually needs the guidance of a professional. If you’re both on the same page on saving your relationship, be ready to commit to the difficult journey required to do so.

Intimacy issues

A lot of couples suffer from intimacy issues including sex issues and a lack of vulnerability. There are many reasons for this including psychological issues, trauma, a lack of compatibility and poor communication. A lack of intimacy if not worked on is usually a death knell for a relationship.

Financial issues

Money is one of the biggest reasons couples break up or divorce. If you’re constantly arguing about money, especially if you have vastly different approaches, it’s probably time to get professional help.

Addiction issues

Addiction is a reality and can be an incredible strain on relationships. Any addiction from drugs to technology related to gambling to sex and porn is a serious threat that must be addressed. If your partner has an addiction, you’re going to need a lot of support, and a therapist might be part of that.

Constant conflict

If you cannot have a conversation without a fight, you’re probably in trouble. If you can’t stand being around your partner, most of your communication is negative, you don’t fight fair and respect levels drop and resentment levels rise, it’s time to get some urgent help.

Healing support

Life is difficult and some of these things like grief and loss can be a heavy strain on relationships. The loss of a child, miscarriage, death of family members or close friends and other traumatic experiences can be hard to move through. Getting the support of a professional can help equip you with the tools to work together as a couple to heal.

If you and your partner have been considering relationship counselling, you’re not alone. Take advantage of therapists in your area, or try online therapy from providers like ReGain. Going for therapy is a great step and you should be proud of yourselves for taking control of the health and direction of your relationship.