Couples Counselling brighton hove

Five Warning Signs, It’s Time To Try Couples Therapy

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Is it Time for Couples Therapy? Here’s How to Know

When you first fell in love, it was easy to imagine a future full of joy and connection. But as time goes on, it’s not uncommon for the small habits or quirks that once seemed endearing to become sources of irritation. As the honeymoon phase fades and the realities of daily life set in, it becomes clear that all relationships require effort, patience, and compromise. However, for some couples, these challenges can become overwhelming, and finding a way forward may feel increasingly difficult.

If you’re feeling disconnected or unsure about the future of your relationship, couples therapy may offer the support and tools you need to rebuild your bond. Here are five signs that it might be time to consider seeking professional help.

1. Communication Breakdowns Are Affecting Your Relationship

Healthy communication is the cornerstone of any strong relationship. If you and your partner are no longer able to share your thoughts, concerns, or feelings in a calm and respectful way, this could be a significant red flag. When communication becomes a battleground, where one or both partners feel ignored, misunderstood, or dismissed, it often leads to feelings of frustration, resentment, and emotional distance. If you’re struggling to talk openly with each other, couples therapy can provide a safe space to rebuild effective communication skills.

2. Trust Has Been Eroded

Trust is a vital part of any relationship, and when it is broken, it can feel like the foundation has been shattered. Whether the loss of trust is due to infidelity, dishonesty, or unmet expectations, repairing it is never easy. While there is no quick fix, couples therapy, particularly Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), can help you and your partner navigate the complex emotions surrounding betrayal and work towards rebuilding trust in a healthy, supportive way.

3. You Feel More Like Roommates Than Partners

Over time, some couples fall into a routine where the romantic and emotional aspects of the relationship take a backseat to the day-to-day logistics of life. If you and your partner feel more like housemates than intimate partners, it could be a sign that emotional and physical intimacy is lacking. This emotional disconnect can make the relationship feel stagnant and unfulfilling. Couples therapy can help you explore what’s missing and find ways to reignite the emotional and physical closeness that brought you together in the first place.

4. Acting Out or Lashing Out

When underlying feelings of hurt, anger, or resentment are not addressed, they can start to surface in unhealthy ways. If one or both of you have begun to act out emotionally, such as lashing out, withdrawing, or seeking revenge (e.g., making your partner feel guilty or accusing them of infidelity), it’s a clear sign that deeper issues need attention. Acting out only escalates conflict and prolongs the pain, preventing healing. A therapist can help you address these emotions in a constructive manner, promoting healthier ways of coping and communicating.

5. Separation Feels Like the Only Option

Sometimes, couples may take a temporary break to alleviate tension or avoid further conflict, but when a brief separation turns into long-term distance or someone moves out permanently, it often indicates unresolved issues. A relationship that is moving towards separation or divorce without addressing the underlying concerns is unlikely to resolve itself on its own. Couples therapy offers a chance to work through the issues in a guided, supportive way before making any permanent decisions.

If You’re Ready to Reconnect, Therapy Can Help

If you and your partner are ready to explore how couples therapy can help you navigate your challenges and deepen your connection, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be more than happy to discuss how I can support you both through this process.

It’s normal for relationships to go through rough patches, but when these issues become persistent and damaging, couples therapy can provide the tools needed to heal and grow together. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one approach that focuses on strengthening the emotional bond between partners, helping them reconnect on a deeper level and address the root causes of their struggles.

If you would like support, please do not hesitate to contact me through email. I am seeing clients online globally and in person at my office in Hove.

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