When Is It Time for
Couples Counseling?

Any committed relationship, regardless of legal status, experiences difficulties. The truth is there is no such thing as a perfect relationship, but most couples can benefit from marriage counseling or couples counseling when problems arise. Conflict resolution can be complicated, most lack the skills to truly find resolution. It can come to a point that partners become at a loss and profoundly disappointed so much that they either decide to separate or get a divorce. This doesn’t have to be your relationship, couples counseling can help.

Signs of a Troubled Relationship

A relationship filled with conflict can be very unsettling. The way couples handle problems may progressively turn things from bad to worse. Most frequently, high levels of distress can result in arguments that don’t end with a resolution. As a result, couples may stop communicating and doing things for each other. In other cases, a great feeling of disconnection, contempt and withdrawal exists between people who are simply worn out and don’t care anymore. These clearly suggest that a marriage is in desperate trouble and may be heading toward divorce.

Distress is also largely present in serious, long-term, committed relationships. Often, the problems lie on everyday issues in the relationship, such as intimacy, parenting, communication and finances. Problems often arise when communication breaks down or partners find it difficult to provide support. Couples may do well initially in the early phases of their romance, but begin to show signs of distress as time goes.

Regardless of where problems stem from, they can have long-lasting emotional and behavioral effects on partners. When not addressed properly, the downward progression can ultimately result in the end of the relationship.

The Value of Marriage or Couples Counseling

The good news is that most couples can benefit from counseling. In fact, people in a harmonious relationship also find value in seeking help from a relationship counselor to resolve issues that have felt unresolvable.

With marriage or couples counseling, the many aspects of a relationship are addressed in a safe and supportive environment. It is an opportunity to be guided by a professional with no preconceived notions of the couple’s identity. During counseling sessions, couples are helped to communicate constructively in expressing feelings, ideas and behaviors, learning to resolve what that they haven’t been able to get past. Counselors can be essential in understanding what the root concerns are so that you can truly find resolution. Therapy can help you to improve the health of your relationship as well as improve your own mental health. Through counseling you can find greater connection and intimacy in your relationship.

The Right Time to Seek Counseling

Counseling is recommended as soon as discontent is felt in a relationship. However, studies show that, on the average, partners tend to forego counseling and settle unhappily for at least six years.

Experts reveal that the longer problems are allowed to persist, the more difficult it becomes to repair the relationship. Seeking help earlier has greater chances of saving the relationship, but waiting too long to get counseling may turn the odds against you. Still, counseling is pursued by many couples only as a respectable and amicable way to end the relationship – especially when children are involved an effective/positive communication must be maintained.

Don’t wait until it is too late, start working to improve the health of your relationship now. CCS – Cameron Office contracts with skilled marriage therapists and couples counselors. Call today to get started!

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