Relations ebb and flow naturally. Sometimes, everything is going well and both people are happy and fulfilled. Other times, a relationship stumbles in the face of adversity or one (or both) individuals are simply unhappy.
Therapy can help with any issue you’re both facing. Contrary to what some may think, couples counseling isn’t about pointing fingers and placing blame. It’s about finding ways to communicate effectively and understand the other person.
All relationships have their ups and downs and there’s nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Relationship counseling can help couples process arguments, come to common ground on their differences, learn healthy communication habits, or simply work on strengthening a part of an otherwise healthy relationship.
Counselors and therapists from Thriveworks Counseling in Solana Beach, CA know that every relationship can benefit from a safe space to discuss what each partner needs. Call our office today or use our online scheduling tool if you’d like to give couples counseling a try.
Why Do Couples Seek Out Relationship Counseling?
One common misconception is that needing couples counseling means that a relationship is too far gone to be saved. This could not be further from the truth. Relationship counseling can help couples work through a variety of issues but it can also help strengthen a healthy relationship. It’s a great option for a new relationship, a strong 50-year marriage, and everything in between.
Therapy involves taking time to focus on your mental health. Specific issues that counseling can help couples discuss include:
- Trust issues
- Poor communication
- Intimacy issues
- Trauma or loss
- Infidelity or unfaithfulness
- Major life changes
- Financial issues
- Stress management
Relationship problems can feel scary but help is available. Many couples say that seeing a marriage counselor helps them improve their relationships, learn communication skills, and resolve conflict in a healthy way.
What Can I Learn From Couples Therapy?
Many couples feel as though they’re alone in their struggles and don’t want to burden their friends by talking through their issues. Therapy provides a safe space for couples to discuss their relationship issues with a trained professional without judgment. Your couples counselor or therapist might get to know you individually in a session, then have you complete a session as a couple in order to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Generally, marriage and family therapy can help you learn skills like:
- Conflict resolution: Conflict-free relationships don’t exist. However, it’s possible to process conflict together in a way that helps you grow. Conflict resolution skills can help a couple embrace conflict and manage it in a healthy way that respects everyone involved.
- Communication skills: Lack of communication is one of the most common causes of conflict in relationships. Your provider will work with you to understand how you communicate as a couple and find ways to make sure that both people are heard.
- Stress management: Sometimes, stress from other parts of your life can impact how you interact with your partner. Taking care of your mental health is important. Couples counseling can help you find ways to manage stress and be more present in your relationship.
Therapy will be different for every couple and every situation. Your therapist or counselor will use a research-backed therapeutic technique to facilitate discussion and find ways for you to achieve your individual and shared goals.
Sometimes, marriage therapy can involve “homework” –– things for you to do as a couple between sessions. This could include going on a date, keeping a journal, or working on a project together. Reporting back on these experiences will help you learn and grow as a couple.
Some challenges you face with your partner might feel overwhelming but know that help is available. Consider seeing a licensed marriage and family therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Solana Beach, CA.
Therapy Appointments Available –– Call Thriveworks in Solana Beach, CA
If you’re facing a difficult situation with your partner or simply want to strengthen your bond, consider scheduling an appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Solana Beach, CA. Our licensed mental health professionals will set up a comfortable space for you to work through any challenges your relationship faces.
We offer extended weekend and evening hours to help find a time that will work for both of your schedules. If scheduling a time where you can both come to an office is difficult, we also offer convenient online therapy appointments over the phone or video chat. Some of our new clients can see a couples therapist within the same week, and we offer a flexible cancellation policy.
Beyond world-class therapists and counselors, we also provide Q&A support for your therapy-related questions, access to counselors between sessions via email and phone, and a counselor-moderated community discussion forum.
Working with a counselor or therapist could be the first step toward a happier and healthier relationship. Call our office at Thriveworks in Solana Beach, CA today to set up your first appointment.
