Our therapists provide couples therapy in Wilmington, DE

Every relationship experiences difficulties. It does not matter how much money a couple has, how good looking they are, or even how famous they are as VH1’s hit show Couples Therapy has proved. Each season, six celebrity couples move into a home together, and each couple works with counselors and on their relationship. These partners often come to understand that long-lasting relationships are based upon communication, respect, and love—things you cannot buy. That means even rich and famous couples can have trouble. Being a couple is hard. Long-term, committed relationships take work, and they can easily fall off track. Not everyone can move into a home with other celebrities while cameras film their counseling sessions, but many people are going to couples therapy. They are working with a counselor to help them establish a better relationship. Sometimes, a better relationship means remaining a couple and growing closer. Sometimes, a better relationship means parting ways. In either case, many partners are glad they worked with a couples therapist to guide the process.

“Nobody can predict the future. You just have to give your all to the relationship you’re in and do your best to take care of your partner, communicate and give them every last drop of love you have. I think one of the most important things in a relationship is caring for your significant other through good times and bad.”
—Nick Cannon

Couples counseling is not a guarantee about the relationship’s future, but it is often a way that partners can give their all to a relationship. That is why Thriveworks Wilmington offers couples therapy. We have worked with many couples who wanted to be together but also wanted to be healthier. Our therapists often help these partners establish a better relationship—whatever form that relationship may take.

Common Problems that Cause Trouble

When they are struggling, partners often think that they must be the only couples who is struggling with their particular issue. The truth is that most couples fight over the same or similar things. The surface issues may differ, but the root is usually the same. For example, common problems that often cause trouble for couples include…

• Disagreements about Family – Fights about the in-laws is the stuff of blockbuster comedies and stand-up routines, but the best jokes are based in reality. A lot of couples argue about role each other’s extended family will have in their lives. But that is just the beginning. Couples may also fight about their living situation, getting married, having kids, and more. Couples counseling is often a safe space to have those disagreements.
• Conflicting Goals – When each partner holds different expectations for the relationship, they are pulling in different directions. Tension is inevitable. A better way is to verbalize and clarify expectations. Different expectations are not a problem so long as they are understood and respected. Couples therapists often facilitate that process for partners.
• Distrust – Trust is the bedrock of any relationship, but it is particularly important in a romantic, committed relationship. Yet, trust is so easily lost. An inconsiderate decision can chip at the trust a couple has. Lying can decimate it. Trust can be rebuilt, but that is not an easy process. Couples therapists often guide partners as the navigate building or rebuilding trust.
• Communication Difficulties – Good communication requires time and work. There are skills partners need to employ—empathy, vulnerability, and openness to name a few. It is easy for couples to get off track with their communication. They may be passing information back and forth, but they may not be understanding each other. Couples therapy is often a place where couples can get back on track with their communication.
• Difficulty with Intimacy – Intimacy includes a sexual connection, but it is so much more. Intimacy is any way partners form a meaningful bond. It can be emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and more. When partners are not bonding, it may be a red flag for a bigger problem. Life will always be busy, but healthy couples find the time to connect. Couples counselors may be able to help partners get to the root of any intimacy problems.

How Might Couples Counseling Improve the Relationship?

Every challenge that couples face is also an opportunity to grow and change. Improving a relationship can be painful, but it is almost always worth the pain. One of the ways couples counseling may help is by…

• Keeping discussions from escalating. Arguments can easily turn into personal attacks—which are never helpful and never appropriate. Couples therapists can often help partners wade into difficult conversations without attacking each other.
• Establishing a realistic schedule for change. Certain ways of relating cause more harm than others. Some problems need to be tackled now. Others can wait. Couples counseling may help partners prioritize the best ways to improve their relationship.

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Wilmington for Couples Therapy

If you and your partner are ready to start marriage therapy, know that Thriveworks Wilmington has appointments available. When you call our office, a real person (not a voicemail) will answer. You may have your first session the following day. New clients often have an appointment within 24 hours of their first call. We offer evening and weekend appointments, but we do not put our clients on a waitlist. We accept many different insurance plans. Let’s work together on your relationship. Call Thriveworks Wilmington today.