Relationships are hard work and no relationship is without its unique issues. We have all heard these sayings when it comes to the struggles that couples face.
When two individuals from different walks of life come together and enter a relationship there are times when it is not easy. In order for a relationship to thrive long term, it’s important to seek couple counselling to address issues you have so that they do not lead into larger issues such as abuse or cheating. So, you might be asking yourself: can therapy save a relationship?
Can counselling save a relationship?
Studies show that 75% of relationships are restored with effective therapy sessions. If both parties have made the decision to attend couples counselling to better their relationship then yes it can save the relationship. In addition, we shared in a previous post the exploring whether or not couples is therapy worth it and encourage you to dive a bit deeper into what couples counselling can do for you as a couple. When couples are ready to do and put the hard work into saving their relationship, couples counselling can support couples in overcoming almost any issue that exists within their relationship.
It can be helpful to have a registered counsellor identify gaps within the relationship. The counsellor can provide support in the couple communicating more effectively and equipping them with the tools they need to problem solve on their own outside of counselling. Counsellors can also offer a more empathetic lens for each person to better understand one another. This will lead couples to be more curious about each other and be more compassionate towards each other when dealing with problems or bringing up grievances with one another.
Couples counselling: what to expect?
Couples at any stage of their relationship should consider counselling. Often people think you need to be married in order to seek counselling while Marriage Counselling Works, you don’t have to be married. Moreover, something doesn’t necessarily have to be wrong for you as a couple to seek counselling. Think of it as if you’re going to a gym to maintain your level of fitness. The same work and effort need to be applied within the contexts of a relationship. But if issues have existed for some time, counselling can still be effective.
When you attend couples counselling sessions here’s what you can expect:
Becoming familiar with the counsellor and introducing yourselves as individuals and then as a couple
Identifying the reasons why you are in counselling
Describing what your end goals are and giving them a timeline
Improving or developing skills you can use within the relationship
Homework such as logging your emotions when you have an argument
The couple and individual sessions of counselling
Final thoughts
There are many reasons why couples counselling works. If both parties are willing to show up and do the work to save the relationship, counselling can be effective in repairing issues. If you’re not too sure what the next steps are for your relationship or are ready to heal together couples counselling can support you in making the right choice for you, your partner, and any children involved. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation.