Relationship counseling is something a lot of loving couples consider as an option. When both parties are willing to improve their relationship in earnest, couples counseling can help your relationship come through the tribulations of life stronger rather than weaker. Not everyone has the best role models when it comes to relationships, and it isn’t something we’re taught in school. Relationships don’t always come naturally, and to have a successful one, we need certain tools to help us get through the tough spots. All relationships have challenges, and sometimes, these challenges are too big to overcome on your own. That’s why sometimes, your best option is to seek out an expert. 

Who Needs Relationship Therapy?

Counseling isn’t just for people on the verge of break-up, dysfunction, or divorce. Relationship counseling can help anyone who wishes to improve their relationship. 

• People Who Struggle With Communication. There are a lot of reasons a person could struggle with communication. Not everyone is taught how, and there aren’t always the proper accommodations for you to learn properly, especially if you’re neurodiverse. In counseling, we can find a safe place to learn and build those communication skills no matter what skill level we start at.  

• People With Trauma. If we’ve been hurt before, it can make it difficult to find the faith to trust again. If you’ve suffered a traumatic event in your past, it can make it hard to move on, no matter how bright the future might be. Going to couples counseling can help you unpack any baggage you might be carrying from old relationships and allow your new life to blossom freely. 

• People Going Through Life Transitions. All the big life transitions (new jobs, relationships, cities, children, pets, marriages, houses, cars, etc) can weigh on our relationships in different ways. It can be challenging to navigate the maintenance of your relationships while also going through a major change in a different area of life.

What Could I Learn From Marriage Counseling?

Relationship therapy can teach you valuable skills of communication, compromise, and relationship building. There’s a lot that goes into having a healthy relationship, and we don’t always have all the answers on our own. Getting together with a professional can help you overcome the things you weren’t prepared for-like old feelings from the past rising to the surface or realizing you have changed your mind about certain aspects of your relationship. Here are just a few things that relationship therapy can help you with: 

• Rebuilding Trust. Seeking out couples counseling is a commitment. By meeting that commitment and doing the work, you can begin to rebuild the trust in your relationship. 

• Breaking Communication Barriers. A specialist can help you identify what the barriers to communication are in your relationship and provide you with tools to address them. 

• Strengthening Boundaries. Setting your boundaries and respecting the boundaries of your partner is at the foundation of any healthy relationship. In counseling, couples can learn to set and respect one another’s boundaries. 

Is Couples Counseling Worth It?

Yes! Couples counseling can bring positive change to your relationship and allow you to get back in touch with the fire, compassion, and passion that make up a strong relationship. Finding the right fit isn’t easy, but we’re with you every step of the journey. 

Michael Anthony is a couple’s counselor who uses the Gottman method in his sessions.

During couple’s therapy, Michael will help you:

• Build “Love Maps,” ultimately learning more about your partner
• Share fondness and appreciation (validation and affection)
• Turn towards your partner
• Develop positive perspectives
• Develop proper management of conflict
• Help each other make dreams come true (support of one another)
• Create Shared meaning

 If you feel stuck on your healing journey, working with a therapist can help. Based on your needs, our intake specialist will help you get matched up with your perfect therapist. Click here to schedule a consultation.

Sunny Ebsary is an educator, multi-modal artist, and writer specializing in the intersection of myth and mental health. Sunny’s writing walks the line between poetic and logical, giving readers a chance to interface with the mind and imagination. Sunny’s been putting pen to paper since he was a child, writing everything from albums, novels, and plays, to essays, interactive games, and of course, many articles! While studying both psychology and writing, he realized his real passion in life was helping others unlock their creative spark. Whether he’s leading a D&D game, directing a production, or diving deep into the brain, you can be sure Sunny will be ushering you toward finding meaning in your life.