Somehow the idea of couples therapy has turned into a sitcom punchline. Though the set up makes for some great T.V. moments, the perception of what we can actually benefit from couples therapy has been watered down to say the least.
What we expect is what we’ve seen on T.V. which is the therapist with the blanket responses that sound like someone applying for car insurance without using any personal information, or the therapist who seems to make things worse by asking bad questions or picking a side.
If you’ve been thinking about couples therapy, but some of these T.V. tropes are scaring you off, let me be the first to tell you that what you’ve seen on T.V. is not what you should expect. Therapy is a great outlet that brings long term change to the communication between you and your partner.
So why even consider telling a stranger all your personal business? Chances are things have felt off between you and your partner lately, and you both are probably looking for ways to reduce the stress and tension. What’s beneficial for each couple and even each person might look different, but instead of dreading the journey of finding who and what works, look at what lies ahead as a way to rekindle the relationship with your partner.
Where to Start When Looking for Therapy
Step one is finding a therapist with whom you both feel comfortable. This will require some research and some trial and error, but a great place to start is by simply talking.
When talking to each other doesn’t seem to work, getting an outside perspective can be extremely helpful when working out both the problems and the communication skills needed to resolve them.
When searching for your ideal therapist, start with a local couples group therapy. In group therapy, you’ll be able to see that all couples can have rough patches, and it is common to find that we all have things to work on once we get into serious relationships. A group setting can also be helpful if either of you is shy about opening up.
If a group setting doesn’t sound right for you, that’s okay, and if you’re uneasy with the words, “couple therapy,” have no worries. Relationship coaches are also a great route. Also, relationship coaches are for more than just couples who seem to non-stop argue. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the relationship therapists help high conflict couples and other issues too.
Call or text 860-451-9364 to begin with a free 30 min phone consult at Wisdom Within Counseling for a closer, stronger couple unit.
Overall, relationship coaches can be beneficial to any kind of couple who find their relationship lacking in any aspects. We can get so comfortable with our significant others that we forget that in order for a relationship to thrive, we must not allow ourselves to get bored either. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the team offers couples yoga, couples art, couples meditation for bonding and trust.
Perhaps the most important to consider when finding a couples therapist is researching a program that supports who the two of you are. There are more resources than ever before that are designed for couples of color, LGBTQ+, and various religious backgrounds that will match you with a therapist.
Your therapist should be someone whose insight you don’t have to question, and with these variety of options available, finding a therapist that can empathize with you is as simple as ordering a pizza.
There’s More than One Way to Therapy
Not all therapy requires sitting in a room talking about your feelings. For some of us, true expression is a lot harder to achieve with words than with art or with our bodies. For a lot of couples, talking might be the easy part and what the relationship is missing is common interests.
Art Therapy
Art is an amazing way to not only express yourself but also to have fun. Maybe all your relationship needs is a little something fun to look forward to. There are multiple ways that art can aid in bettering communication, and it can even help couples get back to finding each other.
We all change as we grow older. Just because you’ve known someone for a long time doesn’t mean that you completely understand who they are today. Art therapy is a great choice for couples looking to reconnect both mentally and physically.
Call or text 860-451-9364 to begin with a free intro call at Wisdom Within Counseling for a closer, stronger couple unit.
Yoga Therapy
How can we help contribute to a union when we ourselves aren’t balanced? Doing physical activity with your partner is a great way to connect. And, you can also making sure you’re doing something positive for yourself. Yoga therapy helps couples by improving their communication skills and trust. At Wisdom Within Counseling, yoga therapy is a speciality for emotional bonding.
In couples’ yoga there are strength exercises that help you and your partner practice supporting one another. The moves force you to practice listening and clearly expressing what you need from the other person. Even just deep breathing with each other can be a needed break from any overwhelming energy that has been used.
Call or text 860-451-9364 to begin with a free phone consult at Wisdom Within Counseling for a closer, stronger bond.
Play Therapy
To be a kid again seems like something we can only imagine. But, play therapy can help us get just a little bit closer emotionally. Many times, our childhood traumas have a lot to do with why our adult relationships suffer. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the team also specializes in trauma.
It may seem silly to play with chalk or to finger paint as an adult. But, it never hurts to re-learn the rules of the playground. How we react to little things can be an eye opener. And, these small therapeutic experiences gives us insight to why we react in life. Sometimes, play therapy can help adults understand bigger life issues.
The purpose of play therapy is to take you back to where the root. For instance, internal negativity may be rooted in childhood loss and trauma. Going back to some of those childhood games helps unlock some of what could be unresolved. For instance, these parts may sabotage your growth as a partner and individually. At times, problem drinking, secret keeping and lying, or depression hold us back.
Music Therapy
Music therapy comes in more than one form, but both playing and listening to music has benefits. Helping each other to achieve a common goal is part of couples therapy. So, music creates a cohesive sound restores the confidence in the romantic relationship.
You don’t have to be musically-inclined. But, some couples want more to share through music therapy. Others want to learn something new doing together. So, participating in music therapy is one step closer to a better relationship.
We All Need Help Sometimes
Relationships are hard and take constant effort. Feeling out of sync with your partner can affect your life outside of the relationship and create a cyclone of emotions that disrupt your life.
Sometimes all a relationship needs to get back on track is for both people willing to put in the time, effort, and actions to evolve the relationship to where both people are happy and getting what they need.
Dating never stops and getting to grow with someone we love is a spiritual journey that doesn’t stop after marriage, kids, or any other life changing events. Couples therapy is for couples. Period.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what stage of a relationship you’re in, therapy can benefit your union before and after problems arise because it teaches you how to deal with and cater to one another.
To note, this is a guest post for Wisdom Within Counseling. So, here is a little about the author. Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. Danielle believes that everyone can benefit once they find what works for them. She strongly values mental health, and is an advocate for putting more value and attention for mental health issues and trauma.
About Wisdom Within Counseling’s Holistic Marriage Therapy Services
In Niantic, Connecticut at Wisdom Within Counseling, the team of therapists use art, yoga, music, and outdoor therapies. Plus, the team specializes in high conflict marriages. Overall, the holistic marriage and family therapists teach couples how to build positive skills. Telehealth to Florida residents, Connecticut residents, and life coaching worldwide.
