Imagine that a simple dinner conversation suddenly turns into a heated argument our website. Everybody has been through it. The family gatherings are similar to communal potlucks where everyone brings their own dish, but it doesn’t always work well. Marriage and family counselling can be the secret ingredient in bringing everything together.
You and your spouse both speak Greek, but you have the impression they are speaking Klingon. Communication breakdowns are more common than you might think. The same as when tuning an older radio, dealing with static can make it difficult to determine the correct frequency. Counselors can help couples to find the sweet spot in which both partners feel understood and heard.
How often do you listen? Think about this. I don’t mean just to hear the words. I mean to feel them. Some cases, it is easier to build walls than bridges. Counselors can translate these emotional hieroglyphics.
Don’t forget about the children too! Children are sponges that absorb all the good and bad from their environment. Children often internalize their parent’s conflicts and difficult situations. Children are unable to balance family relationships when there are missing pieces.
Once, a friend told me of her first counseling session she had with her husband. According to her account, it was like peeling a onion: many tears were shed and a lot of suppressed emotion emerged. However, they did feel lighter as the journey progressed.
Our past relationships can have a profound impact on our present ones. You know how people can run away from conflict like it is hot coals while others will jump right into an argument? Often, these behaviors are the result from past relationships or childhood experiences. Counseling can help couples to identify harmful tendencies and break the cycle.
Trust is brittle, right? Once broken, trust is like glass: it’s very difficult to fix without noticing flaws. Trust can be rebuilt with the right direction and dedication. However, it will take some time.
Money problems in paradise can also be a source of havoc. Money-related stress is a leading cause of marital conflict. It would be impossible to row a boat the other direction. Couples can benefit from counselors’ services such as financial goal alignment, teamwork and avoiding adversarial dynamics.
Couples often struggle with intimacy or the lack thereof. The importance of emotional proximity is as important to a relationship as the physical. Closeness is essential for a healthy relationship.
Aside from illness and job loss, social expectations can cause strains in a family. Someone will give in to the extra weight on a journey that is already challenging.
We will now discuss blended families and the unique challenges they pose. There will be some hits, and then some misses as you try to find harmony by combining two playlists with completely unrelated genres. Counselors can help people navigate through these complicated relationships, so everyone feels included.
You might be familiar with the saying “You can’t drink from an empty cup”. To maintain good relationships, you must take care of yourself. If you’re mentally or physically tired, you won’t have much to give.
Consider therapy as relationship maintenance, like regular oil changes to keep your vehicle in top condition.
Marriage and family therapy is a simple way to resolve conflicts, improve communication, restore trust and rekindle passion. If life ever throws you a curveball in your relationship, which it will, don’t hesitate to seek expert help.