Does Your Relationship Need Couples Counselling? Answered by a Vancouver Marriage Counselling Clinic
Written by: Kristie Burkett, RP-Qualifying, MACP Candidate
Relationships are challenging, and the question of whether or not to seek couples counselling often arises.
Our Vancouver Relationship Counselling Clinic wants to help you understand when it might be time to consider professional support for your relationship.
Understanding Couples Counselling
Couples counselling is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening the relationship between partners. It provides a safe space for both individuals to express their feelings and concerns, guided by a trained counsellor who helps them navigate through their issues without judgment.
When to Consider Couples Counselling
1. Communication Has Broken Down
One of the primary reasons couples seek counselling is the breakdown of communication. When conversations quickly turn into arguments or you find yourselves avoiding discussions to prevent conflict, these are signs that communication has gone off track.
A counsellor can help you learn effective ways to communicate and ensure both partners feel heard and understood.
2. Trust Issues
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. If incidents like infidelity, secrecy, or constant suspicion have eroded trust, rebuilding it on your own can be challenging. Counselling provides a platform to address these issues head-on, helping you work towards rebuilding trust together.
3. You're Stuck in a Rut
Feeling stuck can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction in a relationship. If you're doing the same things, having the same arguments, or if your relationship lacks the excitement it once had, counselling can help you break out of the rut. It's about finding new ways to connect and adding a spark back into your relationship.
4. your in relational Transition Phases
Life's big changes — like moving to a new city, having a baby, or facing job loss — can strain relationships. These transitions can bring up unexpected emotions and stress, making it hard to support each other effectively. A therapist can guide you through these changes, helping you to navigate them as a team.
5. You Feel More Like Roommates
If the romance has dwindled and you find yourselves functioning more as roommates than partners, it's a sign that the emotional and physical connection needs rekindling. Counselling can help you explore the reasons behind this shift and work on ways to reconnect on a deeper level.
What to Expect in Couples Counselling
Couples counselling is not about assigning blame or taking sides. It's about understanding each other's perspectives and finding common ground. The counsellor facilitates conversations that might be too difficult to have on your own, providing tools and strategies to improve your relationship. It's a collaborative process where both partners need to be committed to change and growth.
How to Choose a Couples Counsellor
Selecting the right counsellor is important. Look for someone who specializes in couples or marriage counselling with credentials and experience that align with your needs. It's also important that both partners feel comfortable with the counsellor as this will be the foundation of your work together.
How to Make the Most of Counselling
For counselling to be effective, both partners need to be willing to participate actively. This means being open to feedback, trying new communication techniques, and doing the work outside of sessions. It's about taking the insights gained in therapy and applying them to your everyday interactions.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to seek couples counselling is a significant step towards nurturing and strengthening your relationship. It's about choosing to invest in the health and happiness of your partnership.
Remember, every relationship faces challenges, but how you choose to address them can make all the difference. Couples counselling offers the tools and support needed to navigate these challenges together, building a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.
If you think your relationship could benefit from professional support, our clinic is here to help. With a team of experienced therapists, we're committed to helping couples find their way back to each other. It's never too late to start the journey towards a healthier, happier relationship. Reach out and find out how we can best support you.