
About 41% of first marriages end in divorce. For many happy couples, this sobering statistic seems unrealistic. How is it that close to half of all partnerships end this way?
There are many reasons why a marriage can end, and some are more preventable than others. If you want to avoid being part of that 41%, there are some steps you can take to help.
Getting marriage counseling in Nashville is a strong place to start. But when and why should you consider seeing a counselor?
Let’s talk about it. Read on to learn why you may want to make an appointment with Nashville marriage therapists.
Communication Issues
Communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship. When communication breaks down, misunderstandings and resentments can build. This can cause even an otherwise strong partnership to unravel.
Nashville marriage therapists can help you learn effective communication skills that will allow you to express your needs and feelings in a constructive way.
Often, disagreements stem completely from miscommunications. If you can learn to communicate more effectively, you’ll be able to weather relationship issues with greater success.
Infidelity
Infidelity can be a devastating blow to a relationship. Not all partners choose to continue the relationship after infidelity happens, but it’s always a good idea to seek out professional counseling in Nashville before making any final decisions.
Counseling provides a safe space to process emotions, address underlying issues, and work towards rebuilding trust and healing. On the other hand, it can also be effective for couples who have decided to split but would like a safe place to come to terms with what happened before they do so.
Financial Disagreements
Financial stress can put significant pressure on a relationship. Many problems in otherwise strong relationships start because of the way one or both partners handle their finances.
Counseling helps you develop a unified financial vision, communicate effectively about money, and find common ground on financial decisions. It also provides a safe place for someone to gently confront their partner about their problematic financial habits when they may feel unable to do so at home.
Lack of Intimacy
A healthy sex life is essential to a fulfilling relationship for the majority of people (though there are, of course, exceptions). There are many reasons that a couple’s sex life may get off track. Health issues, family issues, work stress, and plenty of other factors can play into the problem.
Counseling addresses emotional and physical intimacy issues, helping you reconnect and strengthen your bond. They can help you discuss what’s keeping your sex life so distant and start working towards a compromise that works for both partners.
Parenting Disagreements
Co-parenting can be challenging, especially when you have different parenting styles. This is true for both partners who are still in a relationship and partners who have separated but still parent together.
Counseling helps you develop a united front, communicate effectively, and find common ground on parenting decisions. When there are disagreements, a counselor can help you find compromises and they can help both parents focus on what’s right for the child.
Relationship counseling in Nashville can even help when there are multiple adults involved, like step-parents.
Trauma or Crisis
Trauma and crisis can put a strain on a relationship. Some relationships aren’t able to weather that strain.
Counseling provides a safe space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward healing and recovery together, regardless of what that may look like.
Whether there was a health crisis, an accident, a serious loss in the family, or any other major issue, professional counseling in Nashville can help.
Feeling Stuck
Feeling stuck in your relationship can be frustrating and demotivating. Many people aren’t sure what to do when that “honeymoon phase” passes by. They may mistakenly believe that the relationship is over.
Counseling helps couples identify areas for growth and work towards a more fulfilling relationship. They can help you discover that “spark” again, as well as teach you what to do when the spark seems to fade.
Relationships ebb and flow, and a counselor helps couples manage that pattern.
Differences in Values or Goals
As individuals grow, values and goals may shift. This is especially true if the couple has been together from a young age. People change so much throughout young adulthood that they may barely recognize each other just a few years down the line.
Counseling helps couples address these changes, find common ground, and align their values and goals. They can help couples understand what differences aren’t that important and which ones need to be addressed.
Lack of Trust
Trust is a fundamental aspect of a healthy relationship. It’s easy to lose and difficult to gain back once it’s been lost. Losing trust isn’t the end of the road for relationships, however, and couples therapy in Nashville can help.
Counseling helps you identify and address trust issues, develop strategies to rebuild lost trust, and work towards a stronger and more secure connection again.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative counseling is a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy relationship. It helps you develop skills, address potential issues before they arise, and strengthen your bond.
Too many people believe that relationship counseling is only for couples who are experiencing problems. This isn’t the case. If your relationship is strong, counseling can make it even stronger.
Some people even recommend counseling before marriage to make sure you’re on the same page and everything is on track for a healthy union.
Do You Need Marriage Counseling in Nashville?
There are so many reasons that someone may choose to pursue marriage counseling in Nashville. Whether your relationship is solid, you’re starting to see cracks in the foundation, or you’re experiencing a genuine issue, a good relationship counselor can help.
You deserve a happy, safe, and fulfilling partnership. Let a counselor help you and your partner achieve that.
At Therapie, we help Nashville residents reach their full potential with our wide range of counseling services. We’d love to help you get your life on track. Schedule a free consultation today.