When you think about the type of couples that go to therapy, you’re likely conjuring up an image of partners trying to work through adultery, or those who have even more serious problems. But that’s not always the case. Unsurprisingly, when you search online about when to see a therapist, articles like Psychology Today’s guide on when to go to counseling for couples will tell you that you should only go if you sense a problem. While it is true that you definitely should go to a therapist if you are having trouble with your partner, the real answer to “should my partner and I go to couple’s therapy?” is always yes. Read on to find out how therapy can benefit even the happiest couples.
Understand each other better
Far too often, people tend to rely on the little voice in their heads that explains another person’s actions irrationally — for couples, constantly doing this can be disastrous in the long run. Going through couple’s therapy will allow you to see your partner’s perspective in a more accurate light. You’ll discover that your partner didn’t forget to wash the dishes just to annoy you or that they really didn’t mean to forget your mother’s birthday that one time.
This is because therapists and psychologists are the perfect neutral party that can see where miscommunication happens. A post on psychology by Maryville University notes how psych professionals are equipped to handle different groups and individuals, whether it’s students undecided about their degree, employees who are unhappy at work, and yes, even the delicate intricacies of romantic partners. They do this by remaining impartial, unlike your friends and family who may take your side, and by applying a science-backed approach to your situation with your partner.
Learn how relationships work and how to make them work
Happy couples who talk to a therapist can find out what makes them happy about the relationship, and how to keep things a certain way. Additionally, learning relationship dynamics is an effective strategy to prevent small problems from turning into bigger ones.
A joint study by researchers from the University of Lund and the Nordic School of Public Health highlight how couples who pursue long-term therapy are more likely to have enhanced coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms paired with knowledge about conflict resolution will lead to fewer fights ending in tears, and will even foster healthy debates, agreements, and compromises.
Thankfully, with less stigmatized discussions on mental health today and a general openness about taking care of one’s self through therapy, people are taking the right direction in seeking professional help for their relationships. In fact, the New York Post reports that more and more millennials are choosing to go to couple’s therapy before big changes in their relationships, such as moving in together or getting married. Indeed, we’ve talked about how going to therapy before getting married is especially crucial in ‘Engaged Couples: Handling the Bad Days Before Your Big Day’, as these changes can be tough to face for a couple. Being open to therapy can signal a smoother partnership after marriage where both individuals acknowledge that happy relationships take work.
Ultimately, given enough time and sufficient access, partners around the globe will hopefully realize how therapy is not something to fear or set aside, but an important part of maintaining a long-lasting, healthy, and happy relationship.
Exclusively produced for prospecttherapy.com
Produced by: JBarnes