Communication Problems
People have very different ways of communicating, have different meanings to words/phrases, and also one person might be more literal than the other person, so will get their feelings hurt in ways their partner does not understand.
At Long Beach Therapy, our couple’s therapists help couples learn each other’s “languages” to reduce hurt feelings and therefore reduced the perceived “drama” from their partner.
Conflict Resolution
Couples often choose to go to therapy because they are arguing too much in their relationship. People often have conflict over “small things” that build up over time and eventually become bigger issues. If you often get into a big fight over a dish left in the sink, it is probably more than just that one dish. Maybe it is one dish a day for the entire relationship which has built up, or maybe the dish represents a partner’s perceived laziness or them not caring about the other person.
Whether it is from the chores not being completed evenly, arguments of how to handle finances, or frustration at how different your partner approaches life, a couple’s therapist can provide strategies for resolving conflicts and helping each partner to understand the other persons perspective.
Infidelity and Trust Issues
When a partner feels betrayed, it can severely damage trust in a relationship.
Couples therapy can help a couple navigate the complex emotions involved, find ways of rebuilding trust, and help with decision making regarding the future of their relationship.
Intimacy and Sexual Issues
In the LGBTQ community, we call it “lesbian bed death”. This is when a couple has the potential to be “friends WITHOUT benefits” because the intimacy has faded in their relationship.
A couple’s therapist can help you address these issues by exploring underlying causes, enhancing emotional connection, and exploring if both partners feel safe being vulnerable with the goal of improving sexual satisfaction.
Life Transitions and Stress
Major life changes, such as having a baby, taking care of an aging parent, moving, job loss, or dealing with an illness all contribute to stress on a relationship. It can also stem from one partner feeling like they take care of the other person when they are stressed or sick and believe they don’t get the same in return (when they are sick/stressed).
When we provide couples therapy at Long Beach Therapy, we help each partner learn how to support each other through these transitions and strengthen their bond.
If you are looking for in-person couples therapy in Long Beach or looking for virtual therapy within California, please call/text us to set up an appointment.