Counseling is often seen as a last resort, but therapy can be beneficial even before you have problems. Disagreements aren’t the end of a relationship. It’s how you handle those disagreements that matters. How do you know when it’s time to get couples counseling? Here are some surefire signs that your relationship could benefit from professional help.
When Simple Communications Turn Into a Huge Debate
If you can’t agree on what to watch on Netflix or where to get takeout, there’s probably something else happening in your relationship. You might be avoiding core issues and focusing on the superficial. Marriage therapy can help you address your communication problems and break the cycle of arguing.
You Never, Ever Fight
A lack of disagreement in a relationship could mean that you or your spouse are simply indifferent about the marriage. Apathy can kill a relationship quicker than heated disagreements. There may be times in your marriage when you won’t have fights, but it’s rare when couples agree on everything.
You Feel as If You’re Living a Secret Life
It’s one thing to keep your Facebook password from your spouse. It’s another when you’re keeping secrets from your spouse to avoid their disapproval. Living a secret life leads to trust issues for both of you. Your spouse is supposed to be your best friend. Dishonesty creates distance in your relationship.
You’re Looking for Emotional Support Outside Your Marriage
Infidelity is a marriage killer. Emotional support is often the first step in an affair. If you and your spouse are growing that far apart, it might be time to work with a marriage therapist to find the voids in your relationship before you turn to someone else.
You Think You Need Marriage Counseling
If you think your relationship is having problems, don’t avoid getting help at the first signs. It’s similar to fixing a leak when you first see it. You’ll have a lot less repair work if you handle it quickly than if you let it go. Marriage therapy isn’t a last resort, but a resource to help you build your relationship with your spouse.
When Your Spouse Does the Unthinkable
When a partner is unfaithful, it can often spell the doom of the marriage. Couples counseling can help you process your emotions and gain insight into what happened. It might help you restore broken trust and rebuild a relationship, even if the marriage ends.
Consider Couples Counseling to Build Your Relationship
Marriage therapy can help you and your spouse learn better ways to communicate, to parent and to live together in harmony. Something every couple needs, no matter how good their relationship is.
Source: Marriage Counseling Tysons Corner, VA, Lindsay Hoskins & Associates
