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Relationships aren’t a one-way street, and it takes two to tango; and when it comes to improving your relationship, both partners need to be on the same page. This is especially true when considering couples therapy, and oftentimes it begins with one individual proposing the idea to start attending it. Here are some tips that can help you successfully show your partner that therapy can be beneficial for both of you and strengthen your relationship.
1. Be Sincere
If you are having relationship troubles right now, it can be pretty daunting to try to sit down and have an honest conversation about what’s not currently working. However, if you do not open up with them, you’re only guaranteeing that things don’t get better since many problems in relationships can be difficult to address on your own.
You might be nervous about them not sharing your feelings about the status of the relationship, or worse, belittling you about proposing the idea of getting therapy. Of course, this situation is always a possibility, but don’t let this fear hold you back from having this important conversation. Importantly, give them a chance to speak and hear their side of the story. You might not agree with everything they say, but you get one step closer to finding common ground and taking the leap to reach out for assistance.
2. Focus On The Facts
In countless relationships, it’s prevalent for individuals to have negative beliefs, misconceptions, and even stigmas regarding counseling and therapy, and this is one of the main factors that hold people back from getting the help that they need.
When having your talk with your partner, be sure to go over the benefits of counseling and therapy and how it has the ability to repair your relationship, and how statistics show that the vast majority of people who commit to it see substantial improvement in their ability to communicate with each other and have more satisfaction in their relationships.
3. Don’t Get Upset
Even if you do your best to be forthcoming about the desire to reach out to a couples counselor, there is always the possibility that your partner doesn’t reciprocate these feelings. Even though this can happen, how you behave and conduct yourself will be crucial during this time.
If you choose to stay calm rather than get angry and start placing blame for the problems that plague the relationship, you might be able to help your partner be more open-minded about getting help in the future. Don’t let your emotions close the door on getting therapy – if you demonstrate that you can be reasonable, it could indicate that you can be worked with during the process.
Resources On Couples Therapy
If you’re considering couples therapy for the very first time, chances are you have plenty of questions regarding how it works and what to expect. In that case, head on over to BetterHelp to learn more about couples therapy and the areas of relationships that it can improve.
Here, you can also find out how you can get started with getting counseling from the comfort of your own home. Part of the battle with couples counseling is getting everyone in the same place due to scheduling constraints, and online services make it easy and flexible to find a therapist who can match your personal needs.
Conclusion
Disagreements in relationships can evolve to become chronic issues that take a toll on them, and while relationships can deteriorate and fall apart because of them, even the most severe issues can be addressed and repaired. By working with a licensed counselor or therapist who understands problems that couples face, you give you and your partner the best opportunity to start healing and focusing on a positive future together.
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