Being in a healthy relationship has many wonderful benefits. Having a partner to share life’s ups and downs with not only provides you with a strong sense of emotional support but also helps you foster personal growth and companionship.
However, things don’t always stay as rosy as they may have started. When you find yourself no longer communicating, or fighting frequently, it may be time to consider the relationship counselling Melbourne counsellors and therapists recommend.
Knowing the Signs Will Help You Get Help Early
Very few relationships are problem-free. Some people believe that the more issues you and your partner endure together, the more obvious it is that you belong together. Whether you believe this or not, the reality is that relationships take a lot of time, energy, and effort.
If you have invested a lot of yourself into a relationship you may not want to just throw the towel in when things get tough. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top signs that highlight it may be time to speak to a professional to help you get back on track with your relationship.
1. Communication Becomes Strained
It’s uncommon for couples to have difficulty communicating and there could be several different reasons for this. Unresolved issues and mistrust often lead to negative communication habits, which in turn may end with very little talking. Strained communication may also end up in more frequent arguing and fighting.
A therapist will use a variety of different techniques to help you improve the way you and your partner communicate. Once you improve your communication, it may be considerably easier to talk about the underlying issues that caused the miscommunication in the first place.
2. Lack of Trust
When one party loses trust in the other person, it can be difficult to regain that trust. Relationship counselling will help each partner understand what caused the mistrust and why it may be difficult to rekindle.
Your therapist will help you learn healthy communication patterns to rebuild trust. Understanding that it’s not a quick fix and realising that it will take daily effort from both parties to improve the trust.
3. Dealing with Addiction
Unhealthy addictions can severely hamper the couple or family dynamic. This can be especially harmful if children are being impacted. In this instance, the use could be one or both of the partners, a child, or another family member. Couples may argue about ways to help the affected person or blame each other for circumstances leading to the problem.
Therapy involves finding the best ways to strengthen the family unit. Different techniques can be used to assist the person with the addiction. In many instances, this may include joining an external support group for the person with the addiction. Family support groups may be beneficial in helping the rest of the family cope with the situation.
4. Dealing With Life Changes
Even the strongest relationships will take strain when it seems as though life is moving in a different direction from the plans you initially made. This can happen as a result of a job offer that one partner doesn’t agree with, an opportunity to relocate that isn’t mutual or even having to make space in your home for an elderly person to move in.
Typically, your therapist will help you effectively communicate why the change isn’t regarded as positive or encouraging by both parties. Once you understand why your partner isn’t buying into your new plan you may be able to work through it.
5. Lack of Connection
When couples go through a variety of negative experiences, they often start drifting apart. This is usually a result of them focusing on dealing with “one problem after the next” scenario rather than devoting attention to building and maintaining the relationship.
Your therapist will focus on ways to help you grow closer and also encourage you to find the spark that brought you together in the first place. This may include taking a holiday or even a weekend away from the family dynamic so that you can remember what your relationship was like before you became overwhelmed with your various issues.
6. Loss of a Child
Experts and experienced couples often agree that the loss of a child is the most difficult challenge that a couple can experience together. This is usually because people have different ways of mourning and dealing with loss. The circumstances around the event may also contribute to the tension.
A therapist will help both parties find positive and effective ways to deal with loss and work through the pain. Couples will also learn techniques that they can rely on down the line to assist them with other instances of loss. Dealing with this together will go a long way toward getting through the pain.
Final Thoughts
Counselling techniques are an effective way to repair and strengthen your relationship. If you believe your relationship is worth saving, it’s essential to speak with a qualified counsellor or therapist to help you work through the issues and find common ground. Use our tips to help you and your partner identify the signs that will let you know it’s time to seek professional help. You’ll be glad you did!
