Relationship Counseling: 5 Things You Should Know

Dealing with problems in romantic relationships is tough, there is no doubt about that. However, trying to find solutions doesn’t have to be something you have to do on your own. 

Especially when couples are stuck in a loop of miscommunication, seeking relationship counseling can be the solution that helps partners handle the difficult conversations and work through these challenging situations. 

Here are five things you should know when considering relationship counseling.

The First Sessions: Gauging the Waters

When trying out different marriage counselors or couples therapists, the first few sessions will start simple. Most counselors will begin with basic question and answer sessions to gauge how the couple is feeling and allow each partner to explain their history and perspective on any issues that brought them to counseling in the first place. 

Choosing the right therapist can take time to find the right fit. Seek out relationship counsellors that have training or expertise in the area of relationships. It is common to have some anxiety up front. The preliminary sessions build rapport between the couple and the relationship therapist and help set the tone of the goals that each party is trying to achieve.

Relationship Counseling Isn’t About Pointing Fingers

The game of “he said, she said,” garners no winners. 

Relationship counseling is a uniquely safe space to confront issues in a relationship and repair the foundation for a stable relationship between romantic partners and less about determining who is right or wrong.

Couples can expect to learn productive tools for managing conflict, heightening communication and reframe how they approach their long-term relationship moving forward. Counseling helps unhappy couples look inward to recognize their own behaviours, which influence better conflict resolution and the success of a healthy relationship.

Seeking Counseling Doesn’t Mean Your Relationship is Doomed

The misconception that working with a couples therapist means you’re doomed is wildly untrue. 

The reasons partners go to relationship counseling ranges dramatically. Some couples seek help to reignite a spark in their marriage, some want to rebuild trust from sexual problems, and some just need a mediator to aid discussions or disagreements. 

Whether it’s couples retreats or in-person sessions, relationship counseling doesn’t have to be deemed “ the final solution.” Working through issues in a relationship at any stage helps us grow as partners and build a healthier bond and connection between partners. 

Attitude Determines Success

Confronting issues in a relationship and looking inward at some of our own negative behaviours isn’t easy. However, being willing to engage in the process of therapy will determine its success. 

Trusting the process, being honest about your feelings and actively listening to your partner are key things couples can do to make relationship counseling more effective. Growth comes from confronting ugly truths and your counseling therapist is here to help guide you to the finish line.

Relationship Counseling Means Starting a New Relationship With Each Other

Relationship counseling helps couples reframe their perspective on themselves, their partners and their relationship as a whole. Developing a new mindset frees partners from getting stuck in a loop and stepping into a stable relationship with a better sense of self, boundaries, healthy communication, and willingness to grow together. 

How Love of Attraction Can Help

Relationship counseling can help couples transform their relationships into healthy, respectful and happy bonds where they can communicate on things that truly matter. 

At The Love of Attraction, we work directly with clients in person, online and one-on-one to help rebuild the foundations of their relationship and guide partners back to true connection. Visit our website to find out about our broad range of couples counseling services today.