We Aren't Weak... Do We Really Need Couples Counseling?

Oct 22, 2020

You don't have to go far to know that there is a strong stigma surrounding couples counseling. Movies, television shows, social media, and other popular media outlets lead us to believe that counseling is for weak couples with nowhere else to turn. You may have even talked with your partner about the possibility of counseling, only to hear that they don't want either of you to appear weak in front of their peers. Well, this couldn't be further from the truth-- all couples, whether "weak" or "strong," can benefit from couples counseling to rebuild any part of their relationship.

So what can Couples Counseling do for you?

Identify Negative Communication Patterns

At any stage of your relationship, couples counseling can help you identify patterns of communication that may not be working in favor of your relationship. Maybe you or your partner avoid conflict or explode when things get hard. Maybe you need to learn to take a time out, or maybe your partner needs to spend more time talking about the positives rather than the negatives. No matter the issue, couples counseling can help you learn more about how your communication can rebuild your relationship.

Tackle Unmet Expectations

Since the day you two met, you probably have both had your own ideas of what it means to be in a relationship with each other. As your relationship has progressed, it is likely that many of these expectations have been met, while others might have fallen by the wayside. In couples counseling, you will have the opportunity to talk about these expectations and work with your partner to make sure that both of your expectations are being addressed. It is possible that both of you have hidden expectations that you didn't even realize existed! Your counselor will be able to help you both realize and communicate these expectations so that you both feel your best in the relationship. Even if you both feel like you are doing well, addressing expectations can help rebuild your trust and connection with each other.

Set (or Reset) Healthy Boundaries

Although you are fully committed to your partner, it is essential that you and your partner both have your individual needs met. Before you knew each other, you had your own routine, place to live, and friends that you didn't have to share. When you became a couple, you had to turn "me" to "we" and learn to have a couple mentality when it came to every facet of your life. However, taking time for yourself, having your own belongings, and being able to express yourself in your own way are all boundaries that are necessary for individual health. Couples counseling can help you and your partner identify the ways in which you may need to focus on the "me" part of the relationship and not just the "we."

There is never a better day than today to strengthen your relationship as a couple. Contact us today to get started.