The effectiveness of relationship counselling depends on variables, such as the nature of the problems faced, the therapist’s approach and whether both or more clients are on board with it and willing to engage fully with the process.
It’s important to note, while ‘couples therapy’ has long been deployed as the descriptive labelling, it’s restrictive. Intimate relationships exist that are open in various ways by mutual agreement, rather than monogamous.
It was disappointing to read an article in The Guardian referencing couples therapy without even once acknowledging other forms of relationship exist and always have, not just in the 21st Century. It is even more disappointing, though, for this therapist at least, to know how embedded the phrasing is in the counselling and psychotherapy professions. We need to stop buying into restrictive exclusionary terminology.
A counsellor doing their job of giving every client unconditional positive regard without judgement or bias will be able to accept and understand the concepts of polygamy and polyamory, noting the increasing use of the term ‘throuple’ – relationships between three people, not two. In this context the old saying, three’s a crowd, would be an unacceptable judgement call and not at all the lived reality for many of those who step beyond social orthodoxy in this way.
Relationship counselling is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness depends on the therapist and the involved parties’ specific needs and circumstances. It can help those in a relationship to find ways to improve their communication; resolve conflicts; and, strengthen their emotional connection. It can also help them identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to their relationship problems.
Relationship counselling can be a particularly effective therapeutic pathway for those who are experiencing difficulties with intimacy, trust or infidelity.
This form of therapy exists to help resolve conflicts and improve relationships. It can’t achieve anything if one party sees potential rewards in participation and the other(s) does/do not. Relationship counselling is not a quick fix and requires time, effort and commitment from all partners. It can be challenging and may require clients to confront difficult emotions and issues. With the right therapist and approach, though, it can be a valuable tool for improving relationships and resolving conflicts.
If you are considering relationship counselling, it’s important to find a qualified therapist who can help you and your partner(s) work through your relationship.
xph therapy offers integrative counselling, which means working with multiple therapy types, including CBT, psychotherapeutic and person-centred to develop a therapeutic pathway just for you, whatever outcome you’re hoping to achieve. Get in touch in a variety of ways. See the contact page for more info.