Love and marriage are beautiful things. A trusting and supportive partner boosts your self-confidence and happiness. As humans, we love being loved.

The American Psychological Association reports that 90% of people in Western cultures get married by the time they reach 50. On the downside, 40% to 50% of those marriages result in divorce.

Relationships aren't easy, and sometimes, professional help is needed. Let's explore some of the signs you need therapy.

Signs You Need Therapy

When is it time to go to marriage counseling? Check how your marriage is doing with these six relationship warning signs.

Remember, seeking professional counseling is always a good option. Therapy makes you and your partner stronger and helps relationships grow.

1. You and Your Partner Are Arguing Frequently

Whether it's small bickering throughout the day or big blowouts, fighting is a clear sign of relationship troubles. Of course, all couples fight. But how frequently you argue is a sign you need marriage counseling.

One pattern, in particular, to watch out for is repeatedly arguing over the same things. You may feel triggered by small nuisances that your partner doesn't understand, which leads to frequent bickering.

Therapy together provides a safe space for couples to discuss stressors that lead to fights. A therapist guides you and your partner to the root of your frequent arguments.

2. There Are Things You Need to Say, but Can't

You might be feeling certain emotions or have thoughts you want to express to your partner, but never find the right moment to do so. Whether it's due to fear of causing another argument or not feeling secure enough to share your private thoughts, therapy can help. A counselor works with both partners to break down barriers and create a more open relationship.

3. Communication Is Rare or Negative

Communication always suffers when a couple goes through a rough patch. Lack of communication can make you or your partner feel ignored, misunderstood, and unimportant.

If when you and your partner do communicate, it may always be negative. Negative communication makes a person feel ashamed, insecure or judged. Constant negative communication can escalate into emotional abuse.

Relationship counselling focuses on improving communication. A counselor uses tools and therapy techniques to help couples reconnect and improve listening skills for better communication.

4. Physical Intimacy Has Shifted

Sexual problems between couples are a red flag. As relationship issues increase, like poor communication and constant fighting, sexual intimacy decreases.

The change might be obvious in that physical intimacy decreases or becomes nonexistent. Some couples may continue to have sex, but feel a lack of passion and pleasure.

If you have noticed any significant shifts in your sex life with your partner, it could be a sign you need therapy.

5. You or Your Partner Have Gone Through Trauma

If someone in the relationship experienced a traumatic event, it can cause major setbacks in a partnership. Big changes in a person's life lead to stress and anxiety that leak into a relationship. Losing a loved one, long-term unemployment, near-death experiences, or a health crisis are examples of trauma that can cripple relationships.

Someone who has recently experienced stress or a horrific event should seek individual and couples counseling. A counselor can work with the person one-on-one to overcome lingering anxiety, PTSD, and fears. During couple's therapy, partners can unite and form a bond to overcome the trauma together.

6. There Is Infidelity

Infidelity of any kind means it's time to go to marriage counseling. There can be physical, emotional, or financial infidelity within a relationship that leads to significant trust problems.

Therapy explores why the infidelity occurred and how to stop it from happening again. Marriage counseling also focuses on forgiving a partner for his or her mistakes without holding grudges that impair the relationship.

More News for You

If you're in a relationship, be aware of the signs you need therapy. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional guidance to make your relationship healthier.

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