Years ago, when my first marriage was coming to an end, in a last ditch attempt we decided to try relationship counselling. For one hour every week we would drive, separately, to the next town, and spill our hearts to a stranger in the hope that she could fix all of our problems, and take away all of our pain and anger. And although it didn’t work out for us and we divorced the following year, I am so glad that we gave it our best shot, that we fought for our marriage tooth and nail, and because of that I am a huge advocate for relationship counselling not just at the end of a marriage, but to help with the problems you may face during the course of your relationship.

There are many reasons why relationship counselling can be beneficial to both partners.

1. Communication Problems

I think all couples would agree that communication is key, and without it a relationship can easily start to crumble. Relationship counselling can help couples who are struggling with a breakdown in communication and bring structure to a potentially unstructured connection. Counselling allows a couple to talk through their problems with the right words, tone, and questions, as well as bringing clarity to any underlying issues.

2. Infidelity

Infidelity is one of the major reasons why couples turn to counselling as although it is the most damaging thing a couple can ever go through, it does not mean that the relationship has to be over. Many couples choose to try and move on from infidelity and, with the help of an experienced counsellor, can find healing and forgiveness in a controlled and supported environment.

3. Pre-Marital Counselling

Pre-marital counselling is becoming increasingly popular amongst those who are planning a life together. It’s important to make sure you are both on the same page when it comes to children, money, in-laws, career paths, roles and responsibilities. It is far better to have those conversations before marriage than further down the line and run into difficulties.

4. Blended Families

Often relationships can involve so much more than just two people, particularly when one or both parents have children from previous relationships. Relationship counselling allows a couple to explore the practicalities of a blended family and provides them with a safe environment to voice concerns, discuss any struggles they may face, and navigate a future together.

5. When a relationship ends

Couples counselling is not just for those fighting to save or enhance a relationship, it can also be for those who have ended a relationship when life can be difficult. Often there is a great deal of anger and sadness when a relationship ends and yet even the most amicable of couples can be left with practical issues to sort and discuss. Counselling can assist couples in learning how to forge a friendship for the sake of their children, or offer practical advice about finances and their house.

For more information on the costs and benefits of couples counselling visit Regain.us.

** This is a collaborative post **