One or both of you is checked out of this relationship. Disconnected. Dissatisfied. You are pretty sure things are over, or at least on that path. Do you even know each other anymore? Maybe, you aren’t quite sure you actually like each other.
Your Relationship Doesn’t Have to Be Over
We know you might be feeling hopeless right now, and truly, we get it. This is a stressful and crazy-making time in your life. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. You can get help with your relationship in couples therapy. We’ve worked with couples who are experiencing all kinds of issues over the years.
Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling Can Help
There are many different reasons a couple finally makes the decision to come to therapy. Your relationship or marriage is unique, so the problems you face are unique as well. However, we noticed that at the core there are a few common themes of struggles that lead to a need for marriage counseling.
Here are some problems you may face in your relationship or marriage:
Disconnection:
Feeling disconnected could be something that is new for you and your partner. Maybe you just had a baby and are having a hard time being husband and wife again. Or maybe one of you just got a new job and are really focused on doing your best and your marriage or relationship has taken the back burner. Unfortunately, life transitions can easily cause disconnection in relationships.
On the other hand, you also may have felt disconnected for a long time. Longer than you care to admit. We can help here too. Your relationship may seem completely hopeless. Perhaps it’s hard to even find the motivation to come to couples counseling. However, you may be surprised to see how even a few sessions with an experienced couples therapist can help you reconnect in your relationship.
High Conflict:
Do you feel like your fights have gotten out of hand? Or maybe the fights don’t get that intense, but that are happening all the time.
Conflict is inevitable in a relationship.
John Gottman, a well-known marriage researcher, says 69% of all conflicts in a marriage are unsolvable. That’s right – 69% of the things you are arguing about now will always be an issue – the key is to figure out which are the solvable problems in your relationship. Then, work to resolve those while learning to accept the things that simply may never change. We want to help you figure out how to improve communication in your marriage and develop specific strategies for resolving conflict in a healthy way.
Communication Struggles:
Speaking of communication, Is it difficult to talk about certain topics in your relationship? Or, maybe you can talk but, it never feels like you actually get anything solved. You may be utilizing unhealthy communication without even realizing it. Let us show you where you might be going wrong – and how to make it right.
“Checked Out”:
Are you both going about your day-to-day lives without each other? Living lives together but that aren’t really “together”? Many couples can get this way over time, and often it takes some intentional work to get out of it.
On the Brink of Divorce or Separation:
Many couples enter therapy with one partner leaning towards staying in the relationship and one leaning towards getting out of the relationship. Both may even be unsure if their relationship can last. We will help you talk through the pros and cons of your relationship, your values, your solvable vs. unsolvable problems, and other concerns. By doing this, we will work together to see if you can come to a place where you both want to stay in the relationship. We hope to help you stay together if that is what you both want.
If you ultimately decide to separate, our relationship therapists can also help with intentional uncoupling. This is is a process of separating with dignity and remaining friendly. This can be especially helpful if you have children and will need to continue to co-parent with each other.
How can our mental health team help your relationship?
Our therapists are trained in marriage and family therapy. We understand that relationships are complex. Each person brings their own life experiences, needs, and personality into a marriage or relationship. We know that how we were raised and what we were taught about relationships impacts us whether we like it or not. Furthermore, our therapists believe relationships are everything and will get back out of the marriage what we put into it. We strive to help you meet your goals for the relationship, whatever they may be. Perhaps you and your partner have different goals. Through counseling, we can help you to come to a compromise. Together, we will determine the best way to use our time together in therapy.
Beyond our formal training, our therapists also have extra training in specific methods of couples therapy that are proven to be effective in helping relationships. These methods include Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Sex Therapy, DBT therapy & more!
Couples Therapy for One? It’s Possible!
Many people ask us if they can come by themselves for relationship issues – and, the answer is yes! Perhaps your partner isn’t interested in marriage counseling or couples therapy. However, you can still work toward a healthier relationship.
Can I even come to therapy to work on my relationship by myself?
You might have things you know you need to work on by yourself first that are impacting the relationship. When one person in the relationship wants to work individually to change the way things are going, it can certainly make a difference. We can give you tools and tips to try both independently and with your partner if they are willing.
Radiant Living Therapists Who Specialize in Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Isabel Meyer-Mueller, MS
Nicole Cardarella-Gasper, MA LPCC
James Chadwick, MSW LISCW
Sophia “Sophie” Pimsler, MA LMFT
Eric Anfinson, MA, LMFT
Makenzie McMahon, MS LMFT
Amanda Holmberg, MS LMFT
Read More About Couples on the Radiant Blog
- Attached at the Hip: How Attachment Styles Affect Our Adult Relationships
- New Year New Us: Relationship Resolutions
- Internal Family Systems – How Your Parts Impact Your Relationships
- Attachment: Understanding and Healing the Pains From Our Past
- Is Your Sex Life Good Enough?
- Get in Touch with Emotions, Have Better Sex
Ready for Relationship help, Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling in the Minneapolis Area? Let us help.
Beginning couples therapy in our Plymouth, MN counseling office with skilled therapists is simple and worry-free. Our relationship & marriage therapists can help you strengthen your relationship. Let go of your anger and frustration with your partner in an empowering and honest way. Begin couples counseling with these simple steps:
- Schedule a free consultation
- Meet with a caring marriage and family therapist
- Begin your journey back to each other.
Other Counseling Services at Radiant Living Therapy
Often, relationship problems have many layers. We know these issues are complex so, at our Plymouth, MN counseling office, our professional therapists also offer individual counseling for anxiety or depression therapy, counseling for teens, EMDR for trauma therapy, postpartum and maternal mental health, counseling for men, therapy for infertility, and more. Let us enhance your life in a meaningful and comprehensive way.
If you are a helping professional, or therapist looking for supervision or consultation services, we can help you, too. No matter the need, we look forward to connecting with you!