Couples therapy: When to seek help for a healthy relationship, how it can improve mental health

Couples therapy can address various concerns such as communication breakdowns, intimacy issues, and emotional distance, as well as external stressors like financial problems or major life changes. (Image: Canva)

Couples therapy, also known as marital or relationship counselling, is a form of psychotherapy designed to help partners address and resolve issues within their relationship. It involves guided sessions with a trained therapist who facilitates communication, provides tools for conflict resolution, and offers insights into relational dynamics. Couples therapy can address various concerns such as communication breakdowns, intimacy issues, and emotional distance, as well as external stressors like financial problems or major life changes. By providing a neutral space for both partners to express their feelings and work through challenges together, therapy promotes a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Couples therapy can be a vital resource for partners facing challenges in their relationship. Knowing when to seek help and understanding how therapy can enhance mental health is crucial for improving relationship dynamics and overall well-being, says Parul Niggam, a Delhi-based relationship coach and mental health expert.

When to seek help:

Persistent conflict: Frequent arguments that remain unresolved can deeply impact daily life and emotional intimacy. Couples therapy can provide strategies to address these conflicts, facilitating better communication and understanding to resolve underlying issues and restore relationship harmony.

Communication breakdown: When communication becomes hostile or ineffective, it leads to frequent misunderstandings and frustration. Therapy offers tools to improve communication skills, enabling partners to express their needs clearly, listen actively, and engage in more constructive discussions.

Loss of intimacy: A noticeable decline in emotional or physical closeness affects relationship satisfaction. Therapy helps partners explore the reasons behind this loss and develop strategies to reconnect, enhance intimacy, and rekindle their emotional and physical bond.

Major life changes: Significant changes, such as financial stress or health issues, can strain a relationship. Therapy provides a supportive environment to address these challenges, helping partners develop coping strategies and strengthen their relationship during difficult times.

Unresolved past issues: Lingering issues from the past can continue to affect the present relationship. Therapy allows partners to explore and address these issues, facilitating healing and promoting a healthier, more forward-focused relationship.

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Feelings of disconnection: Emotional or physical distance between partners often signals deeper issues. Therapy helps identify the root causes of this disconnection and provides tools to rebuild closeness, improve understanding, and strengthen the emotional bond.

How it can improve mental health:

Enhanced communication: Therapy equips couples with effective communication techniques, reducing misunderstandings and conflict. Improved communication fosters a healthier relationship environment, leading to greater satisfaction and reduced emotional stress for both partners.

Improved emotional support: Couples therapy helps partners learn how to offer and receive emotional support more effectively. Strengthening this support enhances emotional well-being and deepens the connection between partners, contributing to a more fulfilling relationship.

Conflict resolution skills: Therapy provides tools for resolving conflicts constructively. By learning effective problem-solving techniques, couples can address disagreements in a healthier manner, reducing stress and promoting a more harmonious relationship.

Increased understanding: Through therapy, partners gain insight into each other’s perspectives and needs, fostering empathy and improving relational dynamics. This increased understanding helps to strengthen the relationship and enhance mutual respect.

Stress relief: Addressing and resolving relationship issues in therapy can alleviate emotional stress. Improved relationship dynamics contribute to better mental health, reducing anxiety and promoting a more balanced, fulfilling life for both partners.