When relationship problems arise, sometimes the issue cannot be resolved between both partners alone. Perhaps one side does not want to budge against the problem, or one side does not have the proper motivations to find a solution.
The Neutral Party
During these instances, a third party – a neutral listener – may just be the key to fixing the relationship. The neutral party can then help vocalize concerns that may not be comfortable to hear. With cooperation, this third party can even put the couple towards the right path into resolving their issues.
Plenty of couples take counseling in an attempt to repair or reinvigorate the relationship. Counselors then try to seek the problem lingering between the couple. By finding out these lingering issues and bringing them out in the open, therapists can open communication between partners. In turn, an open communication can help couples restore their broken relationships.
The Stigma
However, not everyone approves of counseling. Not every couple may be willing to partake in this activity. There are plenty of issues surrounding therapy sessions, and these issues often prevent people from attending – or even consider getting one. These issues can be so severe that they would rather stay at the same state in their relationship than try something new. Here are some known issues regarding couples counseling.
The Perception
One of the main issues with couples counseling revolves around the perception of other people. The couple may feel embarrassed if it gets out that they need counseling to fix issues in their relationship. For women, the idea of having relationship problems alone can make them feel insecure. Going to a therapist provides an ‘admission’ of that fact. It gives an undeniable, irrevocable proof that the relationship is in some troubled waters.
For men, it can be a machismo issue. They may not feel ‘manly’ if others know that they take relationship counseling. ‘Opening up’ is often associated with the feminine side, and men just may not want to do that. Men can also feel adequate if it comes out that they are having relationship issues. They may feel insecure that they cannot fix their own relationship’s problems and have to find a third party to do so.
The Middle Ground Solution
The social stigma still lingers, even now in 2020. If meeting with counselors for therapy sessions are out of the question, you can still find answers online. With virtual/online sessions, you can take couples counseling from the comfort of your own home. Through online therapy, you and your partner can try out potential solutions to issues without the fear of stigma. ReGain talks about possibilities and perks that free online therapies can bring to the table.
For some, this may not be as effective as a session in the real world. What you get on the other hand is privacy, convenience, and the ability to set your own schedules. Instead of taking time out of your busy day to go to an office, you can do smaller sessions in the weekends.
