Couples therapy

Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, is a type of psychotherapy. Marriage counseling couples therapy helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and 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. Both men and women feel they give and give but do not get back. They feel their love is unacknowledged and unappreciated. The truth is they are both giving love but not in the desired manner. For example, a woman thinks she is being loved when she asks a lot of caring questions or expresses concern but this can be very annoying to a man. He may start to feel controlled and want space. She is confused, because if she were offered this kind of support she would be appreciative. Her efforts to being loved are at best ignored and at worst annoying.

Conflict in a relationship is virtually inevitable. In itself, conflict isn’t 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 marriage. Thankfully, it’s easy to improve communication if you focus on it as a couple. The first step to healthy communication is managing your expectations of marriage. Often, partners expect their husband or wife to be mind readers, who know exactly what they are thinking. No one can pull off such a trick. You have to tell people how you feel and what you need and want. Send us email at info@expatspsychologist.com