Couple therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples, both married and non, recognize and resolve conflicts to improve their relationships. Men and women generally are unaware that they have different emotional needs. As a result, they do not instinctively know how to support each other. Men typically give in relationships what men want, while women give what women want. Each mistakenly assumes that the other has the same needs and desires. As a result, they both end up dissatisfied and resentful. They feel their love is unacknowledged and unappreciated, whereas the truth is they are both giving love but not in the desired manner. For example, a woman thinks it is desirable to ask caring questions and express concern, but a man would perceive such behavior as very annoying. He may start to feel controlled and consequently would want space. In turn, the woman would be left confused because she would be appreciative if she were offered this kind of support. Her efforts to being loving are at best ignored and at worst annoying.
Conflict in a relationship is virtually inevitable. In itself, conflict is not a problem; how it’s handled, however, can bring people together or tear them apart. Good communication skills are essential for a long and happy relationship. Thankfully, it is easy to improve communication if you focus on it as a couple. The first step to healthy communication is managing your expectations of how a relationship should be. Often, people expect their husband or wife to be mind readers and thus do not articulate their desires and thoughts. Unfortunately, no one can pull off such a trick. You have to tell people how you feel and what you need and want. Couple therapy can help you learn to do so.