It’s a universal truth that all couples experience conflict. For some, it’s a pattern of constant arguing and miscommunication. For others, it’s financial struggles. With the pandemic putting everything into a state of disarray, couples spend more time at home together. This either strengthens the relationship or exposes the hidden cracks and exacerbate tensions in a relationship.

This is where therapy or counselling comes in. It is among the most helpful ways that can get couples to confront their issues and salvage their relationship. If you are going through a rough patch in your relationship under the pandemic, know that online marriage counselling sessions can help patch things up between you and your partner.

In this post, we’ll go over the top reasons couples go to therapy.

1. Infidelity

Among the top reasons married couples file for a divorce is infidelity. It can stir up anger, betrayal, resentment, and hurt that may not be healed even with the passing of time. While this is true for others, some couples report growing stronger after incidents of infidelity. Marriage counselling or couples’ therapy is often successful in helping a couple move forward when both partners are committed to healing the relationship.

2. Jealousy

Jealousy manifests differently among couples. Some partners may obsessively look at the other’s social media activity. Others may be paranoid that their partner’s business trips are part of an affair. Regardless of whether the emotions are based on rational facts or irrational fears, jealousy can break down a relationship fast.

Not only is it a relationship breaker, but it is also an unhealthy emotion that partners need to detach from to give way for a nurturing and trusting relationship. If you feel that this resonates with you, then consider going to counselling or therapy. The best online marriage counselling sessions will help you unlearn your jealousy and be more trusting of your partner.

3. Financial Matters

Financial disagreements can add a lot of stress to any relationship, particularly when a couple just can’t manage to be on the same page about how much to spend on major purchases. Financial matters can alienate a couple from each other, especially when one person is a spender and the other is naturally a saver. The divide over money can get wider over time if a couple doesn’t act on it.

Ultimately, financial disagreements (when left unchecked) can tear a couple apart. Couples’ therapy seeks to address this divide over money by giving couples an avenue to air out their differences and discuss how they can benefit from having both joint and individual bank accounts.

4. Division of Labour

Cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, and errands – the division of labour may seem like a small issue on the surface but it can shake up the dynamic of a relationship over time. When a partner feels as though they do the most work, they may grow angry and resentful of the other. While a little resentment doesn’t hurt, this can lead to daily disagreements that add up over time, which may lead to separation.

Couples ought not to harbor any ill feelings towards their respective partners. With a therapist as a mediator or guide, couples can get clear on their tasks and establish a routine that works for both parties. Couples should be able to share their chores with an agreed-upon division of labour.

5. Parenting

Parenting issues can be a big source of strife among married couples, especially those that have just started out building a family. From determining whether or not to have kids, how many kids to have, and to deciding how to discipline children in the best way, some couples are simply not on the same page. One parent may overcompensate for the perceived parenting mistakes of the other, while the other may try to win the child’s favour.

Such manoeuvres often shift the family dynamic in the home. It’s no secret that successful parenting involves a couple working as a team rather than working against each other. In an online marriage counselling session, a therapist or counsellor can help a couple establish which parenting strategies work best in their home.

6. Parent and In-law Issues

One of the biggest complaints couples have are parent and in-law issues. More often than not, family members cause tensions. It’s understandable for one partner to prefer having less contact with the other’s family as it is common for one person to want their partner to be more involved with their family’s activities.

However, a person may see it as being unsupportive when their partner wants less contact. This strains a relationship over time. Attending counselling sessions may prove helpful for couples with parent and in-law issues. In a counselling session, they can discuss their need to keep to themselves and keep in contact with their family members.

7. Poor Communication

Dodging difficult topics, minimising one another’s feelings, avoiding discussions – poor communication is common among couples. It is often the reason why relationships fizzle out. It’s not healthy for a couple to struggle communicating with each other.

Couples with poor communication are likely to hurt each other’s feelings often. Without professional help, they may never understand one another’s needs and prefer to end the relationship. Having an open communication becomes the focus in a counselling session.

8. Differences in Values

Values change over time. Couples may feel the person they married is not the same person they are dealing with at present. As a result, their relationship grows turbulent.

In other instances, couples overlook their differences in values at the start of the relationship. One might value something more than the other, or they may think they can overcome their differences over time. But getting clear on life values from the get-go is important in every relationship.

This allows the couple to see if they are a good match or if they can find a balance in their relationship. In a couple’s therapy, finding a balance and compatibility is the focal point.

Strengthen your partnership here at Beach Health Retreat

Couples’ therapy, whether it be in the form of online marriage counselling or meeting with a therapist, aims to help create a positive change in your relationship. If you’re going through a rough patch in your relationship, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.