Relationship problem signs

If you are questioning your relationship, take a look at the following to determine whether you may have a relationship problem:

Abuse

Are you in an abusive relationship? Abuse in a relationship is unhealthy, and physical and sexual abuse should be immediately acted upon. Emotional abuse, although not physically hurtful, can be just as serious and can leave someone feeling depleted by their partner. If spending time with your partner is making you feel worthless, anxious, unattractive or useless, it may well be worth seeking help.

Avoidance

Do you avoid issues rather than discussing them?  It could be a sign of more severe problems. Not dealing with conflict or disagreements can leave both partners feeling increasingly angry, disappointed and frustrated.  

Codependency

Do you rely on your partner to feel good about yourself and provide a sense of worth? Being too dependent on your partner is unhealthy for you both. It can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, and will ultimately lead to arguments and conflict down the road.

Deceit

Are you hiding things from each other? It is highly likely that your relationship will suffer. Honesty and openness are crucial to a happy relationship so it is important that you both recognize deceit as a problem and as something that needs to be addressed if you want to move forward.

Trust issues

Are you burdened by past experiences which are making it hard for you to trust your partner? Feeling increasingly frustrated and hurt by your partner’s constant questioning as a result of their inability to trust?  Trust issues can significantly impact a relationship and could lead to further complications in the future if they are not resolved.

Typical problems in relationships

There is a common set of relationship issues that are addressed in couples counseling. These include:

Addictions – Substance abuse, sex addiction, Internet addiction and gambling addiction. Any of these alone is difficult for the sufferer, but the impact to relationships is devastating.

Affairs – Affairs are one of the biggest problems that any couple will have to face. Betrayal is not easily resolved.

Communication problems – Relationships are built on communication, so when this falters it can be disastrous.

Marriage issues – Pre-nuptual concerns, separations, divorces – life-changing events can affect you both significantly.

Cultural issues – Cross-cultural issues have their own unique set of difficulties, from religious differences to language and cultural barriers.

Family issues – From differences in parenting styles, to conflict between yourself and another family member, family issues are many and varied.

Work-life balance – Everyday life demands wreak havoc on a relationship. Not having a healthy work-life balance can be a source of much contention between couples, especially when children are involved.

When to seek relationship help?

Only you can decide when your relationship may need outside help and support. Maybe you have noticed signs of relationship problems and have tried and failed to address them as a couple. You may have reached a stage where divorce or separation seem like the only option. Perhaps you are finding it difficult to move on from a betrayal which is eating away at your ability to be intimate with your partner.

Other factors which could suggest it’s the right time to seek relationship help include:

• Discussions lead to confusion or unbearable anger and frustration.
• Arguments are commonplace.
• Bickering is endless.
• Sexual desire has gone or is no longer enjoyable.
• There is abuse.

We specialize in helping people out of the pattern of dysfunctional behavior and back into a healthy rhythm.