Marriage is tough. Many couples dream of getting married one day, but marriage is not all fun and games. It is a lot of work, and when spouses do not put in the effort or develop unhealthy behaviors, it can negatively impact the marriage.
Effective communication is a great way to improve your marriage. By having daily discussions with your spouse, you can feel closer to them.
However, not all couples know how to communicate well. It may be helpful to have some help in this regard. This is where couples therapy comes in.
Couples therapy can be a great way to improve your relationship and learn to communicate better with your spouse. In fact, statistics show that 70% of couples find counseling to be effective.
If your marriage is no longer working, then that is a sign you need to consider couples therapy. Here is a look at some other signs that your marriage is suffering and could use a boost.
You or Your Spouse Wants a Divorce
If divorce is a possibility, couples therapy can help you make the right decision. Your therapist can work with you to determine if there is any potential for saving your marriage. You will be able to explore reasons for the decision and find solutions together if you are willing to save your marriage. Whatever happens, a therapist can offer guidance and support to ensure a healthy transition if you decide to part ways. Couples counseling can help you navigate all the emotions that come with ending a marriage.
You Have Frequent Arguments
Constant arguing can take a toll on your marriage. When you and your spouse are facing conflict, there are healthy ways to go about it besides screaming and name-calling. Couples therapy can help in many ways, such as by developing good conflict-resolution skills, building trust, setting boundaries, and improving overall communication in a marriage. Therapy can also address underlying problems that may be contributing to communication issues in a marriage.
You and Your Spouse Lack Communication
Just as bad as poor communication is not communicating at all. A healthy relationship requires effective communication. Poor communication patterns can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. When this happens, it’s time for couples therapy. A good couples therapist will help you and your spouse learn better practices for good communication so you can increase understanding and empathy.
You are Having Money Issues
Financial issues are some of the most common conflicts in marriage. Money problems can affect many factors in a marriage, including trust and communication. Couples counseling can help improve financial communication skills and teamwork. A therapist can facilitate discussions about values and expectations surrounding finances so you can better understand each other.
To address financial issues in a relationship, therapy can help uncover any deep-rooted emotional concerns related to finances. You can also create a shared vision, foster healthy communication patterns, and work together as a team to manage finances.
There is a Lack of Physical Intimacy
Over time, the physical connection between a couple tends to wane. This can be frustrating, as intimacy is an important part of a romantic relationship. When a couple lacks a physical connection, it can lead to resentment, anger, loneliness, and tension. If you are dealing with this problem in your marriage, couples therapy can help you address it. You may be embarrassed to talk to your therapist about sex, but they can help by using many techniques to help you regain an intimate connection. Your therapist may use various exercises to help foster a physical connection, such as breathing exercises, cuddling, active listening, and skin-on-skin contact.
You are Emotionally Withdrawn From the Marriage
Emotional withdrawal refers to distancing yourself from the marriage. Certain issues in a marriage can create distance and disconnect that can seriously damage your relationship. Couples counseling can help in this regard. Your therapist can help you address emotional barriers, rebuild intimacy, and strengthen your bond with your spouse.
When one or both spouses shut down emotionally, it may be because the person has trouble expressing their emotions. In couples therapy, you will work as a team to get through those difficulties. Your counselor will address emotional distance by identifying the root causes, fostering open communication, and cultivating empathy. This will allow you to understand each other’s needs, develop empathy, and rebuild trust and intimacy.
There are Trust Issues
Trust is an important factor in any relationship. When this trust is broken, it can bring about insecurity and doubt. It can also cause a lot of stress in the marriage. Trust problems often stem from lying or infidelity. Trust issues can quickly erode a marriage, leading to constant interrogation and a lack of emotional closeness. Trust issues need to be addressed quickly, or else you will lose the connection you have with your partner. It is hard to regain trust once it is lost, which is why couples therapy is the best bet in this situation.
The longer trust issues go without being appropriately addressed, the more difficult it becomes to rebuild and maintain a strong connection with your partner.
Seek Legal Help
When your marriage becomes toxic, it is time to go to couples therapy. Therapy can help you and your spouse stay on track in your marriage and avoid a split.
But if therapy does not work or your spouse is not willing to go, it is time for a divorce. Seek legal help from Broward County divorce attorney Scott J. Stadler. We have 30+ years of experience. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (954) 346-6464.