Couples and Relationship Counseling in North Little Rock, AR (Maumelle)—Couples Counselors
We glorify romantic love in the United States, but it’s not often we’re presented with realistic representations of relationships. The media—movies, television, popular news—would have us think staying in love is all rainbows, all the time. The reality is, romantic love is great—but maintaining a healthy relationship requires more attention and effort than people are led to believe. Sometimes couples, even happy couples, fight or disagree. Those disagreements may be about minor things, like where to go to dinner, or large things, like finances. That disagreement is normal, and even healthy—as long as the couple is able to work through it using healthy communication and compromise.
Disagreement becomes problematic when either partner is habitually unkind to the other, no longer shares the same vision for the relationship, or when disagreement devolves into constant fighting or a total lack of communication—and that’s where couples counseling comes in. If you think you could benefit from couples counseling, reach out to Thriveworks North Little Rock for help.
What Is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling is exactly what it sounds like—a couple agrees they need therapy to address whatever struggles they are facing and then finds a therapist they feel comfortable meeting with. The couple most often attends the sessions as a unit, but it’s also common to occasionally meet one-on-one with the therapist as it’s deemed necessary.
The goal of couples counseling will differ depending on the couple’s goals, but in general, couples counseling can help the couple learn new communication skills specific to their partner’s communication style, learn coping skills for tough situations, and determine their shared vision for the future of the relationship.
Who Needs Couples Counseling?
To maintain a healthy relationship, it must be given time and attention. Many couples, particularly after marriage, children, or other major life events, stop doing the things that foster healthy romantic relationships. Setting aside regular time alone to communicate, do the things that brought the couple together in the first place, and stay aware of each other’s needs and desires, are just a few of the things couples can do to stay intimate. Having a counseling appointment as a check-up once or twice a year can also be part of your relationship maintenance. At Thriveworks-Maumelle (North Little Rock), we welcome the opportunity to work with you to fine-tune your relationship.
How Can Counseling Help?
During your sessions, your therapist will help you learn the skills to create and maintain a healthy relationship. Communication is a key part of those skills, and something many couples struggle with. Whether you’re seeing us for a relationship check-up or during troubled times, we can help you learn to communicate with your partner in a way they will really receive.
During couples counseling, the couple will visit with the therapist. While each couple will be encouraged to express themselves, the therapist will not take “sides”. The therapist’s goal is to get each partner communicating in a healthy, constructive manner, and part of that will require each partner to re-evaluate their world views, their views on their role in the relationship, and how they see themselves coming together with their partner given those views.
Conflict in a relationship is hard. Romantic relationships are often the star by which we guide the rest our lives, so when they are in trouble, our lives seem out of our control. If a relationship is struggling, ignoring the issues won’t help (Bienvenu). In fact, the longer the real issues are ignored, the bigger they will become. The only way things will get better is by addressing the problems present, starting with communication. If both partners are invested in the relationship and its future, there is every reason to utilize all available resources to ensure relationship success, and counseling is one of the most effective resources available.
Give Us a Call to Begin Couples Counseling at Thriveworks Maumelle
If you are struggling in your relationship, or if you just want to have a check-up, contact us. Our motivated counselors know how painful living in an unsuccessful relationship can be, and they want to help you. Call or message us today to get on the road to a healthier you.
Thriveworks Counseling Maumelle AR can be reached at (501) 628-9066. We offer weekend and evening sessions, and we look forward to meeting you.
