Some people may think that relationship counseling is only to save relationships that are in crisis, but there are many reasons couples pursue therapy. Here are 10 reasons to consider relationship counseling!

1. Communication

Communication needs to be the foundation of all relationships. It comes in many forms, and therapy helps teach you and your partner how to communicate in a way that works for your relationship. You can make a conscious choice about the type of communication you and your partner want, rather than falling into bad communication habits.

2. Premarital Counseling

Getting married comes with a lot of stresses - combining finances, making decisions together, splitting household chores, children, in-laws, and the list goes on. Premarital counseling is a safe place to have these conversations and address these important decisions.

3. Sexual Issues

Sex can either bring a couple together or be an issue filled with anxiety, embarrassment, anger, and hurt. It is common for a couple to say "We don't have time, we're over-committed, we have a busy schedule", etc. Couples therapy can help you and your partner re-prioritize your relationship and sex life.

4. Infidelity

Infidelity can be the most hurtful and damaging thing a couple can go through, but it does not mean your relationship has to be over. Relationship therapy provides a healing space to begin the journey towards resolution. 

5. Managing Other Relationships

Couples have many relationships with people outside of their relationship - friends, extended family, children, coworkers, to name a few. Some things that can be discussed are boundaries with members of the opposite sex or same sex, communication with exes, and together and alone time.

6. Nontraditional Relationships

Nontraditional intimate relationships, such as open relationships, can have problems and struggles—some of which are specific to their lifestyle and identity. It can be intimidating to seek relationship therapy for fear of not being valued or understood because of the type of intimate relationship one is in. Relationship counseling provides an open and safe place to work on the struggles you are having.

7. Blended Families

When one or both partners have children from another relationship, blending has its own specific struggles and difficulties. Parenting differences, the role of the other parent, and the new identity of the family all need to be explored.

8. The End of a Relationship

When a relationship has ended, whether by mutual agreement or otherwise, managing life can be difficult. Often, individuals need to express anger, sadness, and grief. There may be practical issues to sort out as well, such as housing and children. Agreeing how and when to communicate can be discussed in couples counseling.

9. Social Media

Facebook. Twitter. Texting. Sexting. Instagram. YouTube. Snapchat. These are just a few ways technology can infiltrate and affect relationships. Couples often have conflict regarding who to “friend,” what to “like,” and who to text, block, or chat. Relationship counseling can help couples work through problems that involve social media and create boundaries.

10. Trust

After trust is broken, relationships can be harmed or even destroyed. Learning to trust again is a slow and hard process, and it can be painful and frustrating when it does not happen quickly. Counseling can educate and assist you with understanding the process of regaining trust and provide tools to help.

Relationship counseling can help individuals and couples grow and heal. Like all types of therapy, the lessons learned and behaviors changed will continue to serve each person for much longer than the therapy itself. Couples counseling is worth considering for any couple and can promote mutually beneficial change for years to come.

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