Los Angeles, CA Couples Therapy—Working toward a Happy Relationship

Fairytales and princess movies can make love seem simple. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. They live happily-ever-after. Easy—right? Wrong. Anyone in a committed relationship knows that being a couple is never as straightforward as Disney or Hollywood makes it out to be. Real-life couples always face challenges and disagreements and hardship as a part of their happily-ever-after. It’s normal. While no fairy God-mother will come and magically rescue any couples who is struggling, there are couples therapists who may be able to help. All the time, couples who want to work on their relationship are going to couples therapy.

Couples therapy is not magic, but caring and experienced counselors have helped many partners work through the harder edges of their relationship and work toward more happiness.

“I have my own high standards for what I want in a partner and how I want to be treated. I bring a lot to the table. I’m not talking about material things but what I have to offer as a person – love and loyalty and all the things that make a good relationship.” —Jennifer Lopez

The couples counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Los Angeles have worked with many partners who want a healthier, happier relationship. When couples are open and ready for change, they often can overcome much of the tension in their relationship and experience a deeper connection.

Healthy, Happy Partners

The happily-ever-after is an easy ideal to portray in a 30-minute sitcom or a two-hour movie. In real life, happy, healthy couples put in a lot of work to make their relationship good. What does that commitment look like? Here are a few ways that couples work for a healthy, happy relationship.

1) They do not keep secrets, but each partner is fully known.
Healthy couples do not hide from each other—even in their faults and mistakes. Instead, partners are fully known, seeing each other in all their strengths and weaknesses. This means partners can be who they are without fear. Each partner knows the other’s faults and still offers love and acceptance. This vulnerability increases a couple’s intimacy and helps them to bond.

2) They sustain their unique personality and individuality while being a part of the couple.
Being a couple should not erase each partner’s personality, needs, responsibilities, or interests. Individual’s within a healthy relationship continue to take responsibility for their own feelings, choices, thoughts, and actions. Partners continue to pursue their own needs and personal health. They often take time for themselves, for self care and personal growth.

3) They honor their differences.
There are not two people on this earth who have the exact same interests, perspectives, experiences, skills, and more. Partners in a committed relationship will be different, and healthy couples acknowledge and even welcome those differences. Even when partners disagree about politics, sports, or religion, healthy couples see these differences as a strength, and they can learn from each other’s point of view.

4) They make time together a priority.
You may read this and think, “duh!” Even the obvious sometimes needs to be stated: happy couples want to be together. They protect their time. They may even schedule relationship time, putting it on the calendar. Partners are willing to say, “no” to other commitments so that their relationship can be healthy.

5) When partners are annoyed with each other, they are still respectful.
It is very normal for partners to become annoyed with each other’s daily habits. Maybe one partner does not put the lid back on the toothpaste. Maybe one partner chews loudly. All couples feel irritated with each other from time to time, but they never respond to these annoyances with disrespect or demeaning behavior. They may directly address the behavior with each other, but they are always courteous when they do so.

6) They back each other privately and publicly.
Partners should have each other’s back and keep their eyes on each other’s best interest. When couples know each other well, they support each other’s dreams. They do what they can publicly and privately to help each other be their best and reach their goals. Healthy, happy partners do not hold each other back or put each other down. Instead, they build each other up and back each other up.

7) They sacrifice for each other.
Healthy couples serve one another. The idea of a 50-50 split in labor is not how happy couples operate. No, each partner is all-in, giving 100 percent. Partners are willing to jump in and help, often without being asked and without grumbling.

Couples Therapy at Thriveworks Los Angeles

If you and your partner are going through a rougher time in your relationship, you are not alone. Many couples experience tension and difficulty, and with the guidance of a couples counselor, they are often able to work through the challenge and build a happier, healthier relationship. If you are ready to reach out for help, know that Thriveworks Los Angeles has appointments available, and we are ready to meet with you and your partner.

When you contact Thriveworks Los Angeles, you may be meeting with your couples counselor the following day. New clients frequently have their first appointment within 24 hours. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions. Our staff knows that being a couple can be hard, scheduling couples therapy should not be. Call Thriveworks Los Angeles for an appointment.