Debunking Misconceptions about Couples Counselling

Couples Counselling

Couples counselling is often seen with a stigma. There is this misconception that couples counselling is only for couples who have lost their spark or are on the verge of separation. However, this is far from the truth.

While romantic relationships can be a source of support, fulfillment, and happiness, they can also be a lot of work. Any couple can experience relationship difficulties. Even the littlest disagreements can build up and strain a relationship over time. This is where couples counselling can help.

This article will run you through everything you need to know about couples counselling and how it can help you and your partner.

The Goal of Couples Counseling

Couples counselling has two main goals to be effective. This includes addressing the challenges in the relationship and creating honest and open communication in the relationship.

Your relationship challenges and experiences are unique to you, and you may think that a counsellor would not be able to understand your situation. However, counsellors are trained with methodologies that adapt to a diverse range of lifestyles and experiences.

They can see your relationship from a third-person point of view without the intense emotions that may hinder your logic and judgement.

What Should You Expect?

Your counselling may vary depending on which approach your counsellor uses. The Gottman Method is a highly structured method that focuses on affection, respect, verbal communication, and addressing barriers to connection.

The Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) method de-escalates negative behaviour patterns, restructures your emotional responses, and consolidates strategies for improved communication.

Debunking Misconceptions about Couples Counseling

Counselling is not about “saving” a relationship or “fixing” a broken relationship. It is a process of getting to know yourself and your relationship through a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment.

Counselling can also help couples understand why they argue and how they can resolve their differences as they arise. Here are some common misconceptions about couples counselling:

1 – Only Couples That Are about to Break up Go to Couples Counseling

Couples who are happy and in a healthy relationship can also go to couples counselling. They also need to work on their relationship together and healthily work around their issues. Couples counselling can be used to help couples understand each other’s needs and discover solutions as a team.

Any couple can go to couples counselling. If you are experiencing any of the following, it is best to seek couples counselling:

  • Being unsure about your future as a couple
  • Wanting to enhance an already successful relationship
  • Not being able to handle conflicts effectively
  • Losing a bond that was once there

2 – You Will Only End up Fighting In Front of a Therapist during Counseling

Counselling is a safe environment where anything can be discussed without fear of being judged. Couples are encouraged to speak up to communicate their needs effectively. This does not mean you would be verbally sparring with your partner during the session.

Counsellors will not choose sides in your squabbles and will set boundaries within the session to guarantee that you both feel equally safe and supported. This not only lessens drama but also allows you to communicate healthily as a couple.

Counselling is also not limited to in-person sessions. You can conveniently have online couples counselling in the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

If you feel like your relationship is not as healthy as it used to be or you are experiencing different challenges than before, you may want to consider couples counselling. Seeking couples counselling is not an indication of a failing relationship. 

Counselling is a collaborative process and allows each partner to learn about themselves and their partners. It provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence in the relationship and learn how to better communicate with each other.

Are you looking for couples counselling in Cambridge? Chettiar Counselling & Associates offers a nonjudgmental space where you can tackle your problems as a couple. Book your session today!