The day two people get married can be the happiest day of their lives, but once the honeymoon phase wears off and life goes on, the bond between a couple gets tested over and over again. Some get strengthened, while some get frayed, or worse, destroyed. Reaching the breaking point is often not the result of one big mistake, but rather, is a culmination of negative behaviors and choices that two people make as they navigate the joys and demands of building a life together.
To cope with these variegated stresses, experienced marriage counselors with specialized training in techniques like the Gottman Method can help struggling couples identify the early warning signs of dysfunctional relationships, such as the Four Horsemen of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Once the existence of these factors has been identified, counselors can recommend the appropriate interventions and adjustments to one or both partners’ outlooks as needed.
A marriage is an investment that two people make, giving their time and resources in the hope of establishing a meaningful life together. Because difficult times are a natural part of the ebb and flow of committed relationships, there is always hope for progress if both parties are willing to work on it. Couples who feel that they might benefit from the expertise of marriage professionals can start by finding a counselor who can offer the kind of assistance that is the right fit for their situation as their journey to healing begins.
Sherwood Couples Counseling 