There are many reasons couples go to therapy for help.
For some, it could be a desperate attempt to salvage their relationship, rekindle their love or prevent their spouse from straying – while in other cases, it could be too little, too late.
Here, Sydney psychologist Gemille Cribb revealed the most common reason couples in long-term relationships turn to therapy.
Sydney psychologist Gemille Cribb revealed the most common reason couples in long-term relationships turn to therapy (stock image)
To break down the wall of silence, Ms Cribb explained couples were hashing out their issues in counselling due to a lack of communication.
She said couples who avoid talking about their issues or feelings could lead to deeper rooted issues forming in their relationship.
‘Communication problems will often result in arguments, or feelings of disconnection and loss of love,’ Ms Cribb told My Domaine.
‘Not being open and only communicating on a superficial or practical level can also contribute to people having affairs, and to an individuals’ experience of anxiety, stress, and depression.’
She suggested taking a moment to improve your quality of conversations by recognising the negative behaviour in your relationship.
‘The solution is to develop a good understanding of habitual poor communication habits,’ she explained.
Reflecting on a research by John and Julia Gottman, Ms Cribb said couples need to identify the four main factors in their conflict patterns: criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and defensiveness.
By understanding these four bad behaviour, that will counteract the negativity – and could help overcome your rocky relationship.
‘To drive away destructive communication and conflict patterns, you must replace them with healthy, productive ones,’ the research said.
There are many reasons couples turn to therapy for help such as trying to salvage their relationship, rekindle their love or prevent their spouse from straying
Sydney sexologist Dr Nikki Goldstein (pictured) said communication is the foundation of all relationships
Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Sydney sexologist Dr Nikki Goldstein said communication is the foundation of all relationships.
‘Always address the issues – don’t sweep your problems under the carpet. Always understand all relationships are not made to be perfect,’ she said.
‘Look at what works best for us in our relationship. Are you having a healthy sex life? If you’re not having enough sex, address what’s going on in the bedroom. Not enough sex is actually an issue for some people.
‘If you see that as a problem in your relationship, talk about it. Asking your partner why they’re not having sex could hold the answer to your problems.’
Dr Goldstein suggested couples should find a way to seek help if they both want their marriage to work out.
‘If you’re fighting all the time, and you recognise your relationship isn’t working, use that evidence to work on your issues,’ she said.
With marriage counselling, Dr Goldstein said couples should be seeking professional help earlier in their relationship before it’s too late.
‘People should be doing counselling earlier,’ she said.
‘One of the problems for couples is they seek counselling too late. Always seek counselling before you get to the point your partner is having an affair.
‘Never feel ashamed for asking for help. This day and age, relationships are a lot harder to have and we’re not all taught to know how to be in one.’