Relationships can be one of the most beautiful things we as humans can experience. And, at times, they can also be one of the hardest. Caring for someone so much that you decide to commit yourself to them in one way or another can feel incredible. But, all relationships are entitled to their fair share of obstacles. When negative feelings or issues enter the relationship, you may ask yourself:
“At what point should relationship therapy become an option for us?”
Relationship Therapy Isn’t Usually The First Date
At the beginning stages of a relationship, the last thing you probably have on your mind is relationship therapy. Everything is exciting and fun. You’re talking to this person every day, learning about who they are and where they’ve come from, going on exciting dates and enjoying every little silly thing about them. As time goes on, you possibly start to notice the not-so-perfect side to them, as all of us have. Or maybe something happens between the two of you that causes a rift between you and your partner. That’s ok. This is normal. That’s understandable.
What now?
If you find yourself feeling uncertain about your feelings regarding your relationship, or unsure of how to take the next steps in healing from hurtful experiences with your partner, relationship therapy can be the answer. Relationship therapy is a place to lovingly and authentically explore your relationship with your partner to work through the various feelings or struggles you are facing, with the help of a therapist who fully appreciates the importance of human connection. Learning new ways to communicate with your partner can help you feel heard and better understood, and decrease the likelihood of incorrect assumptions or misinterpretations. Finding new approaches to expressing your needs, as well as understanding your partner’s needs, can significantly improve the quality of your relationship.
Relationship Therapy Can Help With Intimacy Struggles
It can sometimes feel uncomfortable to be transparent and vulnerable when discussing topics surrounding something as private as sex. But, relationship therapy can help when you find yourselves dissatisfied in this area without the fear of judgment. Maybe you want to explore new desires, set boundaries in an open relationship, want more sex, or even less sex. All of these are valid, and all of these are welcome in relationship therapy.
There’s No One Way to Make the Decision to Start Therapy
Let’s also be clear that there does not have to be one defining reason to enter relationship therapy. Though often the case, entering relationship therapy does not have to be a last resort to saving a partnership that is hurting. Instead, it can help to keep a relationship healthy and thriving, and used even when most areas in your relationship are doing well. Think of it as the equivalent of taking daily vitamins to sustain optimum physical health. While yes, therapy can help to dissolve tension or assist with conflict resolution, it could also be used for healthy relationship upkeep.
How do YOU want your relationship to be?
When you envision your ideal relationship with your partner, what does it look like? What does it feel like? What will have changed? These are all important questions to ask of yourself and your partner when beginning relationship therapy and to be able to discuss with your therapist in order to define your ultimate goals in therapy. If you find yourself wondering if your relationship could be improved in any way, you need clarity in issues involving your partner, or if you would like to dive into how you and your partner could gain more pleasure or connectedness within your relationship, relationship therapy could be beneficial for you.
Ready to Start Relationship Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL?
Getting your relationship on track is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Relationship therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled couples therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our couples and marriage therapists
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
Therapy can take many forms. At our St. Petersburg therapy & wellness clinic, we want to will help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means our therapists and wellness team take a holistic approach to your wellbeing. In order to do this, our therapists offer individual therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, therapy for anxiety, art therapy and holistic, spiritual therapy. In addition to standard marriage counseling & couples therapy, our relationship therapists also provide sex therapy, affair recovery counseling and poly-friendly kink aware therapy.
All of these services can be provided in-person at our St. Petersburg, FL counseling clinic or anywhere in the state with online therapy in Florida. If you have any questions about therapy, please visit our FAQ page! Also, you may consider reading more of our blog posts to get to know us a bit better. Finally, thank you for allowing ME-Therapy to be a part of your life journey!
