What can you do when it is time for marriage counseling and how do you know it’s time for Marriage Counseling? 

We often pray for a partner who feels like “our soul mate”. In fact, this is one of the core questions asked couples in marriage counseling or couples therapy.  However, when you find your “soul mate”, you may not be wondering about what you might do if the relationship doesn’t look or feel the same as it once did in the early months.  You and your partner may be ready for marriage counseling or couples therapy before these issues become a fracture that is hard to mend and keep the weave.

Trust has been broken and emotional safety is not provided. 

When a loved one reaches outside of the relationship with an emotional or physical affair, rebuilding trust is often a requirement for the continuation of the relationship. Broken trust in a relationship does not always mean an affair. Trust is broken when a person feels ignored, betrayed or not prioritized. When emotional trust is broken, we begin to lose confidence our partner is going to be someone we can rely on, turn to or support us when we are needing them. Leaning into marriage counseling can support the rebuilding of trust in a safe, structured manner. 

You withhold from your partner or spouse.

If you find yourself withholding or sharing your thoughts, feelings or needs with your partner, it is time to get into couples therapy or marriage coaching to understand how your relationship got there. This “withholding” or sense of needing to protect oneself may have started due to the broken trust or being disconnected. It’s important to understand how the relationship got to this point, so you and your partner can find a new path to relate that is more open, trusting, loving, and responsive.

The tenor of the communication in your marriage is negative.

In the beginning stages, the relationship may feel intoxicating and free of stress. Nevertheless over time, moments of disconnection or conflict may create an emotional distance.   Then, sarcasm, resentment, anger, hurt, criticism or withdrawal may occur. These underlying emotions may create a tenor of negativity, contempt or irritation. If you are sensing you and your partner have gotten to this point, it may be time to connect with a marriage counselor/coach or couples therapist. 

Repeating the same fight in your marriage over and over. 

In relationships, we create fractures. At times, these fractures can become a problem all on their own, regardless of the content of the fight. Painful fractures often mean that the needs of either partner are not getting met. In marriage counseling, you and your spouse will identify the problems within your current relationship. Your therapist can support you in creating a new, healthier form of communication. This path will feel effective while nurturing each of your needs in the relationship. 

You feel more like fighters than lovers. 

Has the intimate relations of your relationship ended? In couples counseling, you and your partner can work on understanding your intimate needs much better. You can understand your individual relationship with your sexuality and how it may impact your relationship. Additionally, you can identify if other relational factors are getting in the way of maintaining a intimate bond.

Interested in Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling in Manassas, VA?

If you and your partner are ready to strengthen any relationship “fractures” and improve your connection, a couples’ therapist can help. The Path To Well-Being coaching/counseling office in Manassas, VA can help. If you want to begin couples therapy or marriage counseling, just call 703-382-6871.

Schedule an appointment at our convenient location in Manassas.

Meet with a skilled couples therapist/coach.

Begin to explore connection and confidence as a couple or partner.

Other Therapy Services at The Office of The Path To Well-Being

Relationship problems are complicated and often individual members of your family need support. Therapists want to help support your entire family. Therefore, The Path To Well-Being offers a wide range of mental health services in our Northern Virginia counseling/coaching office. Our skilled, caring therapists/coach provide counseling for individuals, family therapy, sex therapy, exercise, yoga, play therapy for healing, meditation and mindfulness practice, couples therapy and marriage counseling. When you are ready, The Path To Well-Being would be proud to be a part of your relationship journey.