Every relationship has its ups and downs. But, if you’re finding that the negatives are starting to outweigh the positives in your relationship, then it might be time to seek out help. Here are eight signs you should go to couples counseling:
1. The sex is mediocre
If you or your partner is sexually unhappy, that’s a huge problem. Dissatisfaction with sex is one of the most common reasons couples seek out counseling. If your once amazing sex life has gone down the tubes, therapy can help you navigate that challenging, awkward conversation and discover solutions that work for both of you.
2. You feel less love
It’s the small stuff that can help you and your partner feel more connected every day — hugs, listening to your partner’s stories, eye contact, and kissing. But, if you’re starting to feel less love for your partner, that’s a surefire sign you could benefit from couples therapy, which can help you feel that love and passion again, and reconnect with your partner.
3. There are communication issues
Communication is super important for any relationship. If you find that talking to your partner becomes a negative, one-sided, or challenging experience, then therapy can help. Couples counseling can help you feel more heard in a relationship. How? By teaching both you and your partner effective communication skills.
4. You fight all the time
Does every conversation turn into conflict? If you’re caught up in a volatility cycle, it’s time to seek out couples counseling, which can help address the root causes of fights, such as resentment, communication issues, etc.
5. You brush everything under the rug
Instead of confronting your partner, do you tend to ignore things that annoy you? While that might be a short-term solution, it’s never an effective long-term strategy. A couples therapist can help you learn how to address issues directly in ways that feel safe and comfortable to you.
6. You’re about to make a significant life change
Are you about to take a massive step in your relationship? It could be moving in together getting engaged, or deciding to have children. Whatever it is, couples counseling can help you prepare for the changes ahead, and work together as a team to meet your goals.
7. You have different approaches to finances
You’ve probably already fought about money — it’s super common. Your partner might tend to spend more money than you on purchases you don’t agree with. Whatever the issues are, therapy can help you understand your relationships with money and find ways to compromise.
8. You both want different things
Relationships can be complicated, especially if you and your partner want different things. One person might want to be monogamous, but the other wants to explore non-monogamy. Or one person might want to get married and have kids, but the other person doesn’t want those things. Couples counseling can help you both understand if your goals are compatible.
Learn to live happily ever after
While there are a lot of misconceptions and fears about therapy, couples counseling can help save your relationship by giving you the tools you need to address issues head-on. To find a therapist that specializes in couples counseling in your area, check out PsychologyToday.com.
References
- “6 Signs It’s Time to Go to Couples Therapy,” Health, May 11, 2018.
- “12 Signs You Need Couples Counseling,” Bustle, May 16, 2016.
- “Should You Go to Couples Therapy?,” Psychology Today, September 19, 2017.