A qualified couples therapist will make you feel more supported individually and as a couple.聽It鈥檚 important to understand what you were like as a couple in the beginning of your relationship, before things got in the way, and a relationship therapist will help guide you safely through this. They鈥檒l help you both re-establish yourselves as a couple and practise the skills you acquire in a safe, confidential space you feel comfortable in.
How to approach the subject with your partner
Approach the topic of therapy in a softer, warmer way, instead of it coming across as an attack. You could turn to your partner and say, 鈥淚 want to find out what I can do to help this relationship鈥�, or by leading with how you鈥檙e feeling in the relationship, emphasising yourself and the reasons behind why you feel therapy may be beneficial; this is less likely to cause a partner to become defensive.
Avoid assumptions. A lot of people assume that their partners will never commit to therapy without actually asking them. Give your partner the opportunity to say yes or no without pre-empted expectations.
Don鈥檛 pressure your partner into therapy. If it鈥檚 something they don鈥檛 want to do, listen to their reasons and respect their decision. They have to be willing to receive this external support voluntarily, otherwise it won鈥檛 work.
How to find a qualified therapist
Ensure you choose a qualified counsellor. Choosing a therapist who is registered with a professional body, such as 麻豆原创, means they鈥檙e qualified and work to set professional standards and ethics.
You can use our online directory to find a qualified therapist and you can filter to show the type of therapy you鈥檇 like, such as couples therapy, the location you鈥檙e based in and whether you鈥檇 like the therapy to be online or face to face.
Do some independent research into the therapist by searching their social media or their website and ensuring they have robust qualifications. You need to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who is the right fit for you both as a couple. The bond you have with your therapist sits at the core of the therapeutic process so it鈥檚 important it feels right. Be mindful that finding the right therapist can take time and it鈥檚 OK to explore different options.