Communication issues
One of the top reasons that couples attend couples therapy is for “communication issues”. However, what constitutes communication issues tends to be different from couple to couple. Sometimes, each member of the couple doesn’t even agree on what communication issues means. During our first session with you, we will begin to dig in so we can help you define what you believe your communication is and we will explore how we can help you to improve that.
Examples of communication issues:
Not sharing information about your lives anymore. For example, you don’t talk about your day, share your hopes and dreams, or come to each other for support.
When disagreements frequently turn into fights and you’re unable to work through conflict effectively.
When you don’t provide each other with enough information to navigate day to day life, for example you aren’t letting each other know what time you will be home or which tasks need to get done.
When you are sharing too much information with “outsiders” and not enough information with your “insider” (their partner)
Not being able to express needs, feelings, and thoughts that feel vulnerable and primarily engaging in “surface” conversations
Different forms of self expression (someone tends to be more emotion focused while the other tends to be more solution focused, for example)
…and many more.
During couples therapy, you will assess:
What communication barriers you are facing
How this is impacting your relationship
The history of the issue
Your individual perceptions of the issues
After assessing your relationship and the challenges you are facing, your couples therapist will work with you to identify new skills and ways of being with each other so that you can improve communication and feel more connected with each other.
To start couples therapy at our office, look at our list of couples therapists here or email info@abetterlifetherapy.com to set up an appointment.