2.
Couples
Therapy
Underneath the various patterns we find ourselves repeating, within ourselves have the potential to be present in our relationships. Whether we are fighting to be heard, seen, listened to, or to feel validated by our partner, these patterns and coping strategies often find their way into our intimate relationships.
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At times, the struggles that we face in relationships to another can be tracked back to deeper feelings of disconnection. This can lead to mistrust, conflict, loneliness or emotional distance within the relationship. There is almost always a pattern, a cycle, that we become stuck in with our partner.
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Couples therapy is one way to address the ongoing cycle and find compassion for each. Couples often come to therapy too late in the relationship, after someone has burnt out and is seeking a last resort. It does not have to be.
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It is hard to ask someone outside the relationship for help or perspective because we all have friends and family to do that for us. Therapy can be a neutral, objective space to learn skills, or see if your relationship is salvageable.
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Further reading
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Couples
The Gottman Institute
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Dr. Sue Johnson: Creating Connections
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