Even happily married couples can hit obstacles along the way. When this happens, couples can either try to work through their issues themselves, or they can seek the guidance of a trained marriage counselor. While some couples feel their problems should be kept private, many more are finding the value of seeking help from an impartial third party.
Here are 3 ways individual counseling can help your marriage:
Identifying Behavioral Patterns in Your Relationship
Most of us are aware of our partner’s behaviors but unaware of our own. Most challenges faced by spouses is the result of the patterns between them. The problems in the marriage can seem confusing and overwhelming when you only see half (or less) of the dysfunctional patterns.
A therapist is trained to help individuals recognize their own negative patterns and how they manifest in a relationship. This awareness can be an empowering step in preventing escalation as conflicts occur.
As a bonus, a therapist can also point out the strengths and resources they find in your relationship so you can leverage and nourish them.
Change at the Root Level
A therapist can work with you to identify negative patterns and help you understand why they are happening. That way, you can create a plan to change them. Most behavioral patterns are formed and ingrained when we are very young.
Understanding why your partner reacts a certain way can create empathy and help communication. Once you’ve laid this solid foundation, your therapist can give you specific adjustments that can change your relationship for the better.
Deeper Intimacy in Your Marriage
A therapist will not only tailor changes based on your unique dynamics as a couple, they will help you practice the adjustments and encourage you to remain vigilant and consistent. The result is a deeper intimacy and a deeper understanding of each other with a renewed commitment to meet each other’s needs and desires.
A marriage counselor can bring you both to a more fulfilling phase of your partnership, even if it is an initial challenge to be vulnerable about your relationship struggles.
If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please give us a call at (910) 202-4326. You can also fill out our online referral form to get started with one of our licensed clinicians. Evolution Wellness is here to support individuals and couples so they can overcome what’s holding them back.