Couples’ therapy. Relationship therapy. We hear these phrases frequently, whether it be within social settings, television, movies or other media. When hearing the phrase “couples’ therapy” in your day to day life, what do you find yourself thinking of? Maybe you think of a troubled married couple who seem to be on the brink of divorce. Maybe you think of a couple going through the journey of repairing their relationship after one partner has been unfaithful. Unfortunately more often than not, we tend to see a negative light shed on the topic of couples’ therapy, as well as those individuals who partake in it.
The truth is that all types of relationships, and individuals for that matter, can benefit from therapy.
Working with a therapist that fits your unique needs can be the antidote needed to mend a suffering or dissatisfying relationship, or even to make a good relationship even better. Entering couples’ therapy can be a way to learn new and powerful ways to communicate your thoughts, needs and feelings to your partner in an impactful, confidential, and productive way. Many people would agree that communication is a major component when considering the health and longevity of relationships, and that being open with your partner can help to strengthen and nurture a partnership. Learning healthy ways to express yourself to your partner can result in a surprisingly momentous shift in your relationship for the better, and can sometimes even help you feel more comfortable in being your genuine and authentic self. Therapists can help by providing an open and accepting space for genuine conversation, offering you suggestions of ways to incorporate new strategies of positive communication, help to ensure each partner’s message is heard and understood, and ultimately assist couples to build upon their connection. Breaking the pattern of negative communication can help to heal wounds of the past and find peace through processing the thoughts, emotions, or experience with a professional guiding the way.
Sometimes, couples can find themselves “stuck.” Stuck on problems that can never seem to be conquered. Stuck on events that happened in the past that now cause an obstacle in their relationship. Stuck in a pattern of communication that might not be fruitful or genuine to their true feelings.
The truth is, everyone will face some sort of obstacle or dilemma throughout their relationship journey, but these can be wonderful opportunities to strengthen your connection. Relationship therapy in St. Petersburg can help you do that.
The issues can be as monumental as whether or not both partners agree on family planning decisions, where to buy a home or how to handle finances. Conversely, the issues may be as “small” as who will make the bed, the right way to wash dishes or who will walk the dog. Couples’ therapy not only tackles the problems presented, but underlying issues that may have not yet been uncovered and might require our attention. Through therapy, a fresh look and sense of understanding can be provided to the couple to explore new ways of solving old issues.
Trust is another significant component of a relationship, and it is possible to build a stronger and deeper sense of trust through the process of couples’ therapy. Though infidelity or dishonesty can have shattering effects on a partnership, picking up the pieces and rebuilding is achievable. Discussing the events or struggle with an objective third party in couples’ therapy can help the healing process. It allows you to explore your feelings and experiences with your partner(s) and get a better sense of how they are each handling the issue, as well as their thoughts moving forward. Sharing these intimate details of your relationship with others, or even your partner, can seem scary and intimidating, but working with an experienced and accepting professional can help you heal and rebuild.
Couples’ therapy can even be the perfect place to dive into various aspects of a couple’s satisfaction with their sex life, and help partners explore sexual needs, desires and fantasies without fear of judgement or ridicule. Much too often, we fail to realize that we are sexual beings. Finding what makes you feel pleasure and feel good are important. It is also important that you are able to express your needs and wants to your partner(s), and vice versa, in order to have a mutually satisfied sexual relationship. Maybe one partner would like to explore using toys. Maybe the idea of a threesome has been mentioned but not yet discussed. Maybe you or your partner(s) would like to explore having an open relationship and now need to begin discussing guidelines. No two relationships are alike, so having the freedom to articulate your authentic sexual feelings and needs in therapy allows for couples to find deeper sexual happiness and connection.
Life as we know it has recently been flipped upside down due to COVID 19. Between fears of contracting the virus, passing it to someone else, losing a job, experiencing the death of a family member or friend, missing simple social experiences, feeling alone in our homes, worrying about getting essential supplies or even cancelling long awaited events, our connections to those in our lives feel more precious than ever. These are days where we may be being forced to isolate with our partners, and along with all of the other feelings that come with this stressful time, many couples might be experiencing new or worsened challenges. This is a great time to fully explore, nurture and strengthen your relationships, so that once COVID 19 has dissipated and life once again resumes to a new normal, you can be in a relationship that is in alignment with your genuine self.
No matter what stage of life you and your partner may be in, what issues you may present in therapy or goals you would like to achieve, we are ready for you and look forward to beginning the work of building your relationship in exactly the way that feels authentic to you and your partner(s). Our therapists look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions or hearing any thoughts you might have regarding therapy. We are here for you, and you are welcome here.
