Relationships are hard. There comes a time when couples counseling might be needed. But you need to be aware that couples counseling isn’t always an easy journey as there are common obstacles that many couples run into during counseling.
With combined effort from both parties and dealing with these common issues, couples counseling can actually improve your relationship.
Common Issues That Come Up During Couples Counseling
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Magically wanting your partner to change overnight
The goal of couples counseling is not to change your partner. Especially if you want your partner to change without you making any changes yourself. Therapy is designed for a couple to work on issues together, which will require each of you to change. That means that both of you need to make some changes in order to see improvement, it isn’t just a one-way street. Keep in mind that it won’t happen right away, it will take work and time.
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Keeping secrets
It is never a good idea to hide things in a relationship. This is especially true when attending counseling. Whether it be an affair or an addiction, you never want to keep secrets from your partner or your therapist. You can’t improve your relationship and move forward when there are secrets. While attending couples counseling, this is a good time to get all of your secrets out. Your therapist will help you do this and help you deal with them, as a couple.
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Not putting in the effort
It is one thing to agree and attend counseling, but it is another thing to actually implement what you learn and make the necessary changes. Each person in the relationship needs to follow through with the counseling and actually do what needs to be done at home after attending the sessions. You need to put in the effort to reap the rewards!
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Lack of communication
Lack of communication is a big issue in any relationship and it also impacts counseling. You need to be open with your partner and therapist during sessions to really get the full benefits of couples counseling. Not talking about issues can actually cause bigger issues. Your therapist will know how to open the lines of communication so you and your partner can communicate effectively.
Working with a Couples Therapist
If you are looking to attend couples counseling in Scottsdale, Therapy with Heart offers a safe place for couples to improve their relationship and ultimately their life.
