In a married or intimate relationship, conflict will arise and each of us handles conflict differently. The nature and intensity of the disagreement or problem, its effect on the relationship, and the ability of both parties to address the issues at hand all impact the future health and happiness not only of the relationship, but of the individuals.
Relationships can suffer at the hands of a variety of offenses, including:
- Communication breakdown
- Infidelity
- Lack of trust
- Sexually-related incompatibility or difficulties
- Mental, physical or verbal abuse
- Financial distress
- Substance abuse by one or both partners
In an article published by the American Psychological Association, the statement is made that “making allowances for a spouse’s inevitable shortcomings is difficult, and especially so because marriages and other intimate relationships do not take place in a vacuum. The way that spouses think about and respond to each other is a product of broader forces that affect marriages and intimate relationships.” With so many outside forces and stresses on a relationship, it is no wonder that individuals and couples often need extra help to navigate the turbulent waters of intimate relationships.
Treatment for Couple or Marital Problems
Just as we are each unique and bring our singular perspectives to a relationship, the same can be said of the treatment plan for a troubled couple. At LifeLens Psychological and Counseling Services, we have a number of therapeutic techniques at our disposal and choose the proper path to healing on a case-by-case basis. Some counseling may involve helping couples build communication skills, while others may be focused on managing emotions, resolving conflicts, or meeting other goals to improve the relationship. Often our therapists meet with both parties in a relationship, but if one member of the couple is hesitant to participate or if circumstances indicate a more favorable outcome in separate counseling sessions, our psychologists and therapists can structure a treatment plan that works.
Working with you to identify an effective approach to therapy is what we do best at LifeLens.