Couples get to know each other, not just in interests, but as people—and for those who struggle to be their authentic selves around others, learning a healthy way to be vulnerable can go a long way.
Couples therapy is an effective way for partners to engage with each other on neutral ground, in a setting that lets them share their thoughts and concerns safely.
Whether couples are in the midst of a challenge or seeking to strengthen their bond to avoid long-standing problems, therapy is a beneficial choice for many.
If you and your partner both have a willingness to be vulnerable, couples therapy can bring a wealth of benefits to your relationship and your future!
Vulnerability is a foundational part of all types of therapy that relates to a person’s decision to open up honestly about topics they find sensitive, uncomfortable, or challenging to talk about.
They may be nervous about telling their partner something that happened in their past, or they might not have the tools or language to discuss a sensitive issue that is bothering them in the relationship.
Being honest about these concerns is the first step to vulnerability, and embracing this attitude brings many benefits—both in therapy and within the relationship itself.
With the help and guidance of a skilled counselor, many couples reap the benefits for their relationship connection.
Deepening Emotional Connection
When someone exposes their thoughts and feelings in couples therapy, one of the biggest advantages they will experience is increased intimacy and closeness. People who are honest with their partners create the opportunity to have their needs met directly by that person.
Helping your partner understand how you think or view issues, or what upsets you on a deep and fragile level, allows them to connect with you more intimately and effectively.
As a result, couples who are vulnerable with each other tend to see their emotional bond strengthen over time.
Building Trust and Authenticity
Brené Brown explains that it takes courage to be vulnerable and open with another person. By increasing emotional intimacy and vulnerability, couples in therapy are able to build trust and authenticity.
This is particularly important while being open and honest with each other about challenging topics. Couples therapy creates a safe zone outside of the daily living space in which people can share their feelings.
The therapist is there to guide the discussion, helping both parties find the core of the issue rather than getting hung up on words or details.
When both partners understand that the other will be honest with them, they will be more confident in trusting what their partner is saying. This reduces stress and encourages acceptance and understanding.
As they progress, individuals know from experience that their partner will hear and accept them, making them more likely to address problems when they occur, rather than letting them fester.
Enhancing Communication
Even when couples are trying to address issues and be vulnerable at home, they often struggle to find the right words.
As a result, they may convey their ideas to their partner in ways that do not accurately represent what they truly think or want their partner to understand. Their partner may then focus on the words rather than the sentiment, derailing the conversation.
Couples therapy encourages open dialogue and an expression of feelings that benefits from the impartial guidance of the therapist to improve conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Once couples have this behavior modeled for them, they can then practice it more effectively at home and improve their communication with each other.
Vulnerability requires more than an honest sharing of information; it also needs careful consideration about how that information is shared and in what manner.
Facilitating Personal Growth and Healing
One of the main reasons to focus on vulnerability, particularly during couples therapy, is because it is the driving force that facilitates growth and healing.
When openly sharing the events of their life and how they feel, couples can more effectively become self-aware and achieve acceptance—both from themselves and their partner. Additionally, practicing vulnerability helps people to overcome fear of judgment and rejection.
In the same way you may use a muscle repeatedly to make it stronger over time, continually opening up takes practice but becomes easier with practice. Eventually, this will occur without prompting or delay after an upsetting or uncomfortable event occurs.
Strengthen Your Bond with Couples Therapy
Couples don’t need to experience extensive relationship problems in order to benefit from couples therapy. But, if you and your partner are having issues, finding a couples therapist is an impactful, long-lasting way to improve the relationship and strengthen it for the future.
The experts at Village Counseling can help you embrace vulnerability, guiding you to develop this skill for future use, and steering the conversation toward the center of the issue.
Contact Village Counseling today to schedule your couples therapy appointment.