The 4 Benefits of Preventive Couples Therapy

These are the reasons why time is a crucial factor in overcoming couple problems.

Couple problems can be very varied, but beyond their characteristics and the way in which they are expressed in coexistence, another factor must also be taken into account: time.

It is not the same to try to overcome this type of problems when they are just appearing, than when the option of ending the affective relationship is already on the table; the forms of discomfort to be treated are different, and the possible solutions as well.

Therefore, in this article we will talk about the benefits of preventive couple therapy, i.e., in the early stages of the relationship.that is to say, in early stages of the problem to overcome so that the loving bond remains strong and stable.

Why attend preventive couples therapy?

It is common to talk about love almost as if it were an object, something that we "have" within ourselves.

This essentialist view of what it means to love someone makes us forget that this set of emotions is actually a set of psychological predispositions, that is, it is based on actions. Y actions are always something that evolveThey are not so much located in space as in time.

For this reason it is important that, in the moments in which we identify problems in the couple's coexistence, in the way of interacting with the other or in the way of expressing love, we keep in mind that every affective relationship is a process, something that develops over time and has different phases and that it has its different phases, each one with its own characteristics.

This implies that the possible couple crises that may arise are not something irremediable, it does not mean that the relationship has never been authentic or that it is already based on an incompatibility.

And it also means that the sooner we react to these warning signs, the better.The simple fact of avoiding that the situation creates conflicts and painful situations to remember is in itself a factor that protects the intensity and consistency of that love.

Benefits of preventive couples therapy

Going to couple's therapy when the situation of the love relationship has not yet become a constant source of unhappiness allows to avoid many problems and suffering. These are the most beneficial aspects about this type of intervention by psychologists trained in couple therapy.

1. Evista that the problems become chronic.

When relationship problems have just begun, they can appear and disappear in a more fluid way, as they depend very much on the context. However, as time goes by, it is more likely that the people involved in the relationship become accustomed to poor management of the problem, causing it to arise again and again and become part of everyday life.

That is why it is important to prevent from the first weeks It is therefore important to prevent problems from the first few weeks of life together. At this stage conflicts will have arisen that can be worked on in an easier way, so that they do not become chronic and do not end up undermining the relationship in the long term, or directly triggering the breakup.

2. Encourage honest communication

In the initial moments of a couple's crisis, there is less reason to harbor resentment towards the other person, since there have not yet been many strong arguments. This is why it is easier to address this issue in couple's therapy, since it is less difficult to open up and be honest. less difficult to open up and be honest about what you think and feel about one's own thoughts and feelings, exposing one's own vulnerabilities.

3. There is more motivation to engage in couples therapy.

Many people go to couples therapy when the situation in their love life has already deteriorated to the point has already deteriorated so much that deep down they want separation or divorce.

In these cases, going to the psychologist's office is partly a last hope, and partly a moral alibi to be able to say "I tried", and that demotivates, it does not invite to commit to the therapeutic process.

This kind of problems can be avoided if we go to couple therapy in early stages.

4. Less falls in the fight of egos

When the couple's problems have already been going on for a long time, those involved in them are more likely to prioritize the satisfaction of "winning the fight". to overcome the conflict in the most constructive way possible.

Are you looking for couples therapy from professionals?

If you are interested in professional assistance through couple therapy services, please contact us. The team of psychologists at Psicotools have many years of experience working with people involved in marriages and courtships in crisis, or that begin to be dysfunctional in some aspects of the relationship.

We currently attend both in person at our center located in Barcelona (Vallcarca area) and online via video call. To see our contact details, access this page.

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• Morgan, J.P. (1991). What is codependency? Journal of Clinical Psychology 47(5): pp. 720 - 729.
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