When a couple is experiencing difficulties in their relationship, they may want to consider couples counselling. Consulting a psychologist can assist a couple in better understanding the nature of their relationship challenges.
The psychologist can provide strategies and support to help the couple improve the quality of their relationship. At times, some couples may be unsure about whether the relationship is worth saving. In this case, couples counselling can help in the decision making process.
Some common areas of concern that people bring to couples counselling include:
- Infidelity
- Frequent fighting
- Communication difficulties
- Low relationship satisfaction
- Substance-use
- Sexual and intimacy challenges
- Financial difficulties
- Whether to stay in or end the relationship
Process of Change
Relationship change can happen when partners are willing to experiment with new, healthier ways of relating to each other, both in and outside of therapy.
Couples therapists look at the relationship as a whole and consider improvements that can help the relationship quality. They do not set out to identify or place blame on one partner over the other. Typically, relationship problems are caused not by one individual but as a result of both partners contributing to unhealthy patterns.
Typical Format
Usually, the therapist will meet with the couple together for the first session. In additional sessions, the therapist may decide to meet with each person individually to learn more about his/her history and perspective on the relationship’s strengths and challenges.
Couples don’t have to be experiencing a relationship crisis in order to seek help. Couples counselling can also benefit healthy relationships. Many couples find that engaging in couples counselling can deepen their intimacy and connection.