Relationship Therapy: What Is It and How Can It Help Couples?

Relationships can be hard to maintain- everything that happens in life, from work to changing family dynamics, financial stresses, and even our individual health issues- all have the capability of affecting our relationships. We all want to keep the love and happiness for a long long time, but even the best relationships hit rough patches- and that’s ok. That’s where relationship therapy comes in. But what exactly is relationship therapy? Why do couples go for it? And how can it really help couples? Let’s find out.

What is Relationship Therapy?

Relationship therapy (also called couples therapy or marriage counselling) is a type of therapy in which couples can attend together and individually to work through any stresses in their relationship- while typically you will see married couples opting for it- it can also prove beneficial for those in relationships. It is a way to discuss and resolve any pressing issues under the guidance of an expert- who can also give you valuable tools for communication and coping. Concerns could include communication issues, misunderstandings, trust problems, emotional disconnection, or infidelity. This is a safe space to discuss these with your partner and an expert without the fear of judgement. 

A trained therapist, normally a psychologist or counsellor, helps both partners understand their issues better and helps them to make an informed decision.

What Types of Therapy Do Couples Use?

There are many types of therapy that fit your concerns. Some of the common types of couples therapy are:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy tries to change your negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be causing problems in the relationship.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This therapy encourages couples to share their emotions more honestly and tighten the emotional bond of the couple. 
• The Gottman Method: A research-based strategy that teaches couples how to enhance communication, handle problems, and maintain love in the relationships.
• Imago Relationship Therapy: This one focuses on accepting each other’s past scars while also learning how to heal and support one another in the present.

Allo’s therapists use a combination of these methods depending on the requirements of each couple. 

What Are the Benefits of Relationship Therapy?

You might have the question- Will therapy really help? The answer is- it can and it will, not in a day or two but with constant effort. Here’s how therapy can benefit couples:

1. Therapy teaches couples how to get along better, thereby curbing misunderstandings and fights in future.
2. If there is any pain or emotional burden in the relationship (from past conflicts, cheating, etc.), therapy can help them both to heal.
3. Relationship therapy repairs emotional and physical connections in the relationship.
4. Couples get to learn new ways to handle disagreements. Thus, fewer blowups and more solutions.
5. It makes both partners see a situation from each other’s perspective. Therapy teaches understanding and empathy.
6. With time, the couple will likely feel happier and more fulfilled in their relationship.

Causes That Lead Couples to Seek Therapy

There are a ton of reasons why couples might decide to go to therapy. Here are a few common ones:

1. Poor Communication: One of the most common problems couples deal with is not being able to convey their emotions well, or worse, not speaking at all. Not expressing rights may ultimately trigger resentment and irritation.
2. Trust Issues: Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. When that trust is forsaken- with past arguments, cheating, or lies, it builds tension and doubt between partners.
3. Emotional Distance: Sometimes couples drift apart. You might feel like roommates instead of partners. This emotional distance brings emptiness, and therapy can help you find your connection back.
4. Financial Stress: Money problems put pressure on a relationship. Be it budgeting issues, differing money habits, or financial crises, a lot of arguments come with it.
5. Intimacy Problems: Not getting enough physical or emotional intimacy is a common reason people get therapy. 
6. Life Changes: Major life transitions—like moving in together, having a baby, or dealing with a death in the family leave them stressed and vulnerable.    
7. Addiction: If one of the partners deals with substance abuse or other addiction issues can put a crack on the relationship. Therapy is useful for both partners in this case.

Signs That Relationship Therapy May Be Helpful

You don’t need to wait until things are completely falling apart to get therapy. Here are some signs that it might be time to think of getting relationship counselling:

• If you two constantly fight over the same issues, even after years of trying to resolve them- professional help is needed.
• If you feel emotionally distant from your partner for some reason, relationship therapy can help you out here.
• If one partner is not respectful towards another and constantly criticises- therapy can help you both learn how to interact.
• If you or your partner are avoiding each other, either physically or emotionally- it’s a red flag.
• If there are some past issues like cheating or betrayal that still affect your relationship- therapy can help you make the right choice.
• If both of you are struggling to get intimate, both emotional and physical- therapy can help you out here.

What Happens in a Relationship Therapy Session?

As it is not a physical health diagnosis, there will be no test for relationship problems. However, therapists will assess a relationship through:

• Therapy Sessions: These can be one-on-one or joint sessions where the therapist listens to both partners, observes them, and finds out the patterns or issues.
• Questionnaires: Sometimes therapists will ask you to fill out surveys to find out your satisfaction, communication habits, and any conflict within your relationship.
• Behavioural Patterns: Therapists also try to look at how couples talk to each other. They can spot unhealthy patterns like defensive responses, blame, or avoidance.

Remember, getting help isn’t a sign of weakness- so, don’t wait too long. Book your first online relationship therapy session with Allo Health at just 199/-.

Does Relationship Therapy Work?

It’s totally normal to be confused if therapy will actually work or if it’s just a waste of money. It’s not a 1-2 times thing, relationship therapy can definitely help couples in the long run to improve their connection. The success of therapy also depends on how willing both partners are to open up and work through their issues together. 

A recent study on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) showed that how well couples trust and connect with their therapist can influence how successful therapy is.

Key Takeaway

• Relationship therapy, also known as couples counselling, is a professional service to help partners go through some challenges without putting a crack on their bond.
• No relationship is perfect, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for anything less. If you’re having problems in your relationship, get help and reconnect with your partner.
• A 2024 study talked about how Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps couples who are not only struggling in their relationship but also dealing with personal issues like depression or PTSD. It improved both their relationship and mental health.
• It’s not an easy fix, but it’s a healthy way to make your relationship go and resolve conflict. 
• A 2023 study found that after 10 sessions of the Gottman Method some couples can feel the improvements in their relationship satisfaction and intimacy.
• Therapists don’t try to fix one person, they’ll make you see a situation from both perspectives. 
• If things feel rocky, don’t be afraid to reach out for help- sometimes, the strongest relationships are the ones that go through the most growth.