When Should a Couple Seek Counseling?

Couples often ask, “When should a couple seek counseling?” The answer is most often: “Six months ago.”

Couples, especially those with busy work schedules and children, often put off coming to therapy, either because they are too busy with their daily schedules or they are denying that there is a need to come in for counseling at all. Often, couples are hesitant to talk about issues for fear of opening a much larger “can of worms.” Sometimes communication has broken down to the point of not being able to discuss even the smallest of issues.

What are the signs that it is time for a couple to seek counseling? Here are a few to look for:

• Feeling distant from your partner

• Increase in arguments, arguments over the same issues, or one or both partners have mentioned "divorce"

• Lack of affection or no physical intimacy

• Lack of interest

• Avoiding spending time with each other

• Poor communication, "he/she doesn't listen"

• Inadequate support

• Infidelity

• Emotional infidelity

• Not spending time together

If you recognize even one of these signs, the time to take action is now. Don’t wait until the relationship deteriorates even further. Relationships themselves are never bad, the interaction and communication between a couple is no longer working successfully and needs a “tune-up” to work more effectively. Often in cases such as these, counseling and/or a couples workshop can improve the skills needed to maintain a healthy, happy and fulfilling relationship.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call 630-718-1570.