Every relationship can come upon a challenge or unexpected roadblock; this does not necessarily indicate that more troubling times are looming or that they must race to couples therapy. However, for some partners, the relationship may begin to degrade subtly, with small signs indicating potentially big problems.
These red flags might not appear important at the beginning. Still, if individuals do not know how to recognize them, they may not realize how unsettled their relationship is. Identifying the warning signs that a relationship may benefit from couples therapy is essential to addressing issues early.
Here are some common red flags, such as communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, and loss of trust, that couples should pay attention to, as well as a discussion of how therapy can help rebuild connection and empathy in these areas.
Partners Are Withdrawing
Strong relationships are based on consistent attention. When one or both partners begin to withdraw from each other, other union areas can also suffer. Physical intimacy may decrease, making one or both individuals feel lonely or unsatisfied.
Emotional intimacy, too, can be affected, leading partners to bottle up their emotions (and usually worsen any problems as well). A therapist can help partners identify why they no longer feel confident engaging with each other and bring them back out of their shells.
Communication Falters
Communication is the backbone of a relationship, and it is a red flag if partners stop communicating. However, what fewer people tend to notice is that communication breakdown is not just a total cessation of discussion; it is also when partners are not being heard and understood or when they communicate in ways that are ineffective. A couples therapist can assist with not only openness in communication but also methodology. This might include reinventing how each partner approaches a conversation and how they listen.
Arguments Intensify
Disagreements are normal in relationships, and even arguments can crop up occasionally. However, if arguments are increasing in frequency or intensity, it may be time for therapy. A therapist works with couples to find the pain points causing arguments and, where possible, resolve those underlying issues for a more harmonious relationship. They can also teach couples how to disagree productively.
Common Ground Becomes Rarer
The individuals in a relationship are on the same team. However, couples therapy may be in order if finding common ground on issues becomes impossible or if partners lose their ability to compromise. Professional guidance can help couples spot the common ground they could not see before and learn how to find it again.
Trust Disappears
All participants in a relationship must trust each other. This trust facilitates other essential elements of a strong relationship, such as confidence, honesty, vulnerability, and reliance. If partners cannot trust each other, the foundation of the relationship is working on unsteady ground. Therapy commonly helps couples find the underlying reasons why they are having a difficult time trusting their partner and work to rebuild that trust over time.
Honesty Becomes Uncomfortable
Partners must be honest for a relationship to develop into something resilient. Being able to share thoughts honestly allows for vulnerability and security. This, in turn, allows both partners to understand each other better and offer support personalized to each person’s needs. When partners feel self-conscious, unsafe, or awkward being honest, the relationship’s communication begins to break down.
A therapist can help provide a safe place where honest conversation can happen without judgment. They can also help couples practice honesty and develop communication strategies when uncomfortable.
Resentment Brews
Resentment is one of the most detrimental elements of a relationship. Partners may resent their significant other’s actions, words, and goals; almost anything can be a target.
Couples therapy can help to nip resentment in the bud before it festers into a deep distaste for the other person, which can be difficult to recover from. A therapist may help each party see how their behaviors affect each other and how to manage their emotions constructively.
Try Couples Therapy to Restore Your Relationship
No relationship is perfect, and it is normal to encounter challenges. However, if these challenges are causing prolonged issues in your relationship, talking with a couples therapist can be helpful. Even if you are not currently facing difficulties, therapy can equip you with the tools to keep going strong. Contact Village Counseling today to schedule your couples therapy appointment and make sure your relationship is on steady ground.