Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is offered to support individuals in a relationship who may be facing a possible separation or simply seeking to improve intimacy and understanding between them. In couples counseling, the relationship is the focus, although each partner is expected to equally focus on their own self-improvement and self-awareness.

Couples may seek support for various reasons such as: power struggles within the relationship, general communication problems, sexual dissatisfaction, infidelity, and issues arising from lack of trust and jealousy. Although it is recommended to seek support as soon as dissatisfaction arises in a relationship, studies show that, on average, partners do not pursue therapy until they have experienced dissatisfaction for six consecutive years. However, the more time passes, the harder it may be to improve and repair the relationship. In some cases, a couple who has already decided to separate may continue therapy in order to end the relationship amicably and respectfully.

While effective therapy touches on many aspects of the relationship, communication tends to be the primary goal. When partners repeatedly avoid conflict or engage in intense power struggles, communication difficulties arise, leading to dissatisfaction and unresolved problems. The lack of adequate problem resolution after an argument is the biggest factor leading to marital unhappiness and separation. One of the first steps to improving a relationship is for each person to learn how to regulate and express their emotions, maintain their composure, and use healthy communication skills to resolve both new and old issues.