Healthy communication is key to a healthy relationship. If you are unable to talk to your spouse about your feelings, a problem, or a concern, there is a very good chance that eventually, the relationship will suffer. Unfortunately, we don’t take communication classes in school; therefore, our only teachers are those around us. If your parent, guardian, caregiver, family member, or friend did not understand how to effectively communicate, there is a good chance you also do not. This is not your fault; nor does it make you a bad person. In fact, most people struggle to communicate in a way that is beneficial and supportive to all those involved in the communication.
How Communication Problems Can Cause a Relationship to Fall Apart
When it comes to relationships, communication is one of the foremost reasons why problems start to arise. If they are not dealt with, and usually they are not because of the inability to communicate, things cna quickly spiral out of control. Think about your own relationship, or a past relationship, for a moment. Has there ever been a time in which you got into an argument about something that seemed silly, but rather than expressing yourself in the right way, you became angry which then led your significant other to become heated. Like a ripple effect, both of you were so upset and arguing over something so simple. Eventually, you realized that you didn’t know why you were arguing, and furthermore, acknowledged that had you expressed yourself in a better way, the argument would not have became so out of control. If you can related to a similar scenario, there may be a communication problem in your relationship.
A couples counsellor will listen to what each other have to say and then encourage a healthy dialogue between one another. Your counselor is not there to judge you, to sway your opinion, or promote arguing. Rather, your counsellor will try to get you and your significant other to reach certain goals, made ahead of the session. Some topics that may be discussed include:
- What are some of the issues or differences that you and your spouse have with one another?
- What happens when one of you bring one of these issues to the table?
- Do you ever openly talk about how you feel?
- Do you feel there are any specific communication issues?
- What would you like to see happen after trying couples counseling?
- Do you have any specific goals?
Once questions like these are addressed, a couples counselor can begin to teach you and your significant other various techniques that will:
- Assist in improving the communication between you
- Help you to learn how to be a better listener
- Encourage you to be honest and open
- Teach you how to be more understanding and accepting
Let a Couples Counselor Help You
Couples therapy is one of the most effective ways to improve communication in a relationship. Don’t let your relationship suffer because communication is lacking. This is something that can be addressed and fixed. Talk to a couples counsellor now about scheduling your first appointment.
Source: Couples therapy Tysons Corner, VA, Lindsay Hoskins & Associates