A strong relationship can make even bad days look brighter. It gives us the support and confidence we need to move purposefully through life. And having the right person next to us makes the good times even sweeter.
Good relationships show occasional cracks, of course. Even the best romances labor through arguments, hurt feelings, and bouts of silence. That’s perfectly normal, sometimes even healthy in order to build stronger foundations. But some relationships become so distant or so quiet that they seem fundamentally broken. And the people in them might begin wondering about their futures.
If this sounds like your relationship, pause for a breath and then realize that help exists. With a Thriveworks couples counselor, you can begin to understand why your relationship has changed and explore ways to recover it. To learn more, consider calling Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA, today for an appointment.
Common Reasons To Seek Relationship Counseling
A couples therapist can help those in troubled relationships find their bearings or those with strong relationships grow theirs deeper. Every couple can benefit from healthy discussion. One reason relationships suffer is that the individuals involved aren’t communicating.
Maybe communication — the ways you’re talking or how little you’re talking — is causing friction. That can be the source, or a symptom, of many relationship issues. Relationships are unique, but some common themes of discord can run through them. Here are just a few reasons you might consider relationship counseling:
- Infidelity
- Substance issues
- Disagreements over parenting decisions
- Lack of romance or an unsatisfying sex life
- Financial difficulties
- Jealousy or trust issues
- A sense of drifting apart
- Major life transitions
Couples counseling can address more than the conflicts between two people. Perhaps one person is struggling with the loss of a loved one or job, which is affecting the relationship. Some couples might feel that another voice could lend a fresh perspective. And others might want to address minor issues before they become major ones.
How Does Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling Work?
The role of a couples therapist can be defined simply: to help couples strengthen their relationships. But the work is detailed and nuanced, since each couple is different. To begin addressing your specific needs, a couples therapist will ask to discuss your history, your concerns, and your hopes for the future.
Honesty is vital during this process. Your therapist might speak with you together and as individuals to shape a complete perspective on the relationship. After that, a couples therapist can use one of several therapy methods to address the issues you brought.
One type of therapy is known as the Gottman Method. Founder John Gottman described this as “evidence-based” therapy, which means it follows research conducted through large-scale clinical trials. The exercises and interventions employed in the Gottman Method seek to increase respect and affection between couples and to produce calmer ways to resolve conflict.
Other treatment methods can include emotionally focused therapy (EFT), which centers on the ways couples interact; narrative therapy, in which couples embrace each other’s experiences; and relational life therapy, which can help couples define their relationship outside society’s traditional gender roles.
Schedule Marriage Counseling in Cedar Rapids, IA
You can make an appointment for couples counseling on weekdays, nights, or weekends, depending on the best fit for your schedule. Those making a first appointment often can meet with a provider within the week.
Unable or uncomfortable discussing your concerns in-person? Thriveworks offers online counseling, allowing you to hold a session from home or wherever you choose. Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans and offers additional benefits to enhance your experience.
If your relationship could benefit from couples counseling, call today for an appointment at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA.
