Couples therapy is a specific type of talk therapy that can help you uncover the root causes of intimate partner conflicts.
When both people are invested in the process, there can be many benefits, as detailed in this article on Talkspace.
The Benefits of Couples Counseling
The more you and your romantic partner are willing to put into your relationship, the better the therapy outcome will likely be. Here are some possible benefits:
1. A better understanding of your dynamic
In counseling, you can begin to understand the undercurrents of your relationship.
- Is the power balanced?
- Do you have predictable unproductive communication habits?
- Do you have recurring points of strife?
Looking at the answers can help heal your relationship and grow a stronger bond.
2. An impartial listener in a safe space
Your therapist can listen to each of you and give honest, unbiased feedback. Sometimes someone else tell us what they’re hearing allows a new perspective.
To truly navigate conflict, you must be willing to be vulnerable and open up, which is easier with a trained professional—who sets boundaries and can intervene if needed.
3. A chance to see each other’s point of view
When you can objectively see both sides of a disagreement, you can avoid miscommunication and uncover the root of a problem.
4. Strategies to resolve roadblocks
It’s common to struggle with big decisions: when to have kids, how many to have, whether it’s time to move, etc. If you are in a rut about a specific topic, therapy might help.
You can also come to an impasse over little things. Couples therapy can help you find what’s underlying these roadblocks, address and resolve them.
5. Effective coping skills
Having good coping skills in place can help you and your partner get through challenging situations now and in the future. Learning coping mechanisms and communication techniques for dealing with your emotions, you’re set for the next bump in the road.
6. Clarification of your feelings
You may begin therapy thinking you’ll do what it takes to stay together, or wondering if your relationship is salvageable.
A therapist can help you and your partner decide what you want and then give you a path to get there.
7. Restoration of trust
Therapy is a place to express a lack of trust, explore how it was broken, work on forgiveness, and create a space for healing. Rebuilding trust is difficult, but not impossible. With the right tools, you can form a solid foundation for getting back to trust.
8. Deeper connection
Intimacy issues are common, especially when the spark has dimmed over time. Sex therapy can make all the difference. I have helped many Charlotte, NC, marriages where there has been no sexual contact for years.
Focusing on each other’s wants, needs and desires is part of the solution, but communication and respect can also contribute. When we feel loved and understood, we’re naturally more in tune with each other.
9. Improved communication
Couples therapy can help you communicate more effectively and productively. Your therapist may have you practice communication exercises at home.
You can you use your new skills in other areas of your life. Knowing how to communicate for a desired outcome can help you professionally, with friends and even in conflicts.
10. Personal growth
A goal of therapy is to understand your needs and those of your partner. By exploring where you aren’t completely fulfilled, you can make discoveries about yourself.
You may find that you’re better able to set boundaries, for example. Learning not be so reactionary with your spouse can have the same benefit with others.