5 Reasons Couples Go To Therapy
Our Couples Therapists at The Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre in midtown, Toronto, see couples clients for a variety of reasons. Some come pre-emptively to support their relationship and communication when things are good, and others come when things feel like they’re breaking down and they need a neutral third party to support them. Regardless of what they’re going through in their relationship, our therapist are there to support them with skills, strategies, and an empathic and non-judgmental attitude.
These are some of the most common reasons we see couples reaching out for therapy:
Communication Problems – Often times couples need support developing their communication skills. They may be struggling to talk openly, listen effectively, or resolve conflicts without fighting or shutting down. A couples therapist can run through the patterns in your conflict and communication, and help you to better hear and respond to each other in a more effective way.
Trust Issues – Some partners come in dealing with broken trust due to lies, infidelity, or past relationship wounds. When trust is wounded or broken it can be difficult to mend, and part of your work may be figuring out if it is something the relationship can survive. If so, it may be figuring out how to slowly rebuild that trust. If not, it may be discussing what breaking up or divorce may look like.
Intimacy and Connection – If partners feel emotionally distant, sexually disconnected, or like the "spark" is gone, they may benefit from speaking to a couples therapist or a sex therapist at our office. Discussing what intimacy looks like (both emotionally and physically) can be a delicate process, and working to re-connect is sometimes easier with the non-judgemental support of a therapist.
Cultural or Religious Differences – Relationships that involve partners from different backgrounds, cultures or religions can bring with them unexpected challenges around religious participation, values, and division of finances and/or responsibilities. A culturally-responsive couples therapist can help you navigate your different experiences to find a compromises or middle grounds that work for both of you.
Major Life Transitions – A lot of changes can happen in a relationship. Navigating the stress from these changes (like moving in together, getting married, having children, exploring divorce, or dealing with illness or job changes) can put a strain on a relationship and bring up conversations that neither party expected.
In all these cases a Couples Therapist is going to be able to help you discuss, plan, and navigate the issues in your relationship.
If you or someone you know would benefit from talking to a Couples Therapist at The Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre either online or in person in Toronto, you can contact us or view our full list of Couples Therapists and reach out to them directly.