Relationships
What is relationship conflict?
Many experts believe that conflict between couples is inevitable—even necessary—in a healthy relationship. All couples will experience relational stress at some point. Conflict may arise due to personal problems that carry over into your relationship (e.g., work stress, family conflict, financial concerns) or it may result from a misalignment of different values, expectations, and/or communication styles.
Sometimes, conflict comes from specific events that put added stress on a relationship, such as:
- Infidelity
- Personal history of physical or sexual abuse
- Combining families, as with a blended marriage
- Losing a job or starting a new career path
- Phase of life change (moving in with a partner, becoming a parent, getting a divorce)
These challenging circumstances can interfere with intimacy and affect the longevity of a relationship—but you don’t have to deal with these struggles alone.
When should I seek therapy for my relationship?
Anyone who is seeking to improve their relationship can benefit from the support of therapy, whether you would like to strengthen an already strong partnership or repair a relationship that has been worn down by repeated conflict.
Therapy is most effective when used preventatively. Therapy can teach the skills needed to navigate potentially difficult situations (blending two families, getting married, aging parents moving into the home), and offset the potential of conflict spiraling out of control or feeling unmanageable.
It’s particularly important to come in as soon as possible if you and your partner argue more frequently or if either of you experiences any of the following issues:
- Cheating (either thoughts or actions)
- Sexual dysfunction or frustration
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Substance abuse
- Difficulty communicating
- Difficulty balancing work and relationships
How can therapy help my relationship?
The goal of therapy when it comes to your relationship is to teach you strategies to manage conflict effectively and to cope with difficult emotions. You will also learn how to identify communication barriers that negatively affect your relationship and build constructive communication behaviors that don’t add fuel to the fire.
Thriving Center of Psychology can help you individually, or work with you and your partner together during couples counseling sessions. Sometimes both types of therapy are beneficial.
Your dedicated provider at Thriving Center of Psychology personalizes your therapy plan to:
- Teach effective communication skills
- Develop tools to resolve conflicts
- Attune to your partner’s needs
- Improve intimacy and connection
- Help determine the viability of your relationship
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
The cost of seeing a therapist or psychologist for relationships can vary depending on whether it’s an individual or couples session. Other factors also influence the cost of therapy, including your therapist’s level of education and expertise. The services we provide at Thriving Center of Psychology are out-of-network for all insurance companies. If you have an Out-of-Network or PPO insurance plan, your insurance company may reimburse you for up to 80% of the appointment fee.
What Kind of Therapist is Best for Relationships?
The best therapist for relationships depends on your needs, goals, and reason for seeking out therapy in the first place. There is a range of mental health professionals with different credentials, including:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licenced Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Mental Health Counselor
You will likely see a range of credentials when researching the best therapist for relationships. It’s important that the therapist you choose specializes in helping couples and relationships. For instance, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to recognize and understand the dynamics in relationships to support couples, families, and marriage. Whether you’re looking for a Mental Health Counselor or Psychologist for relationships in NYC, or any other major city, we can help connect you with the best therapist for you.
What Type of Therapy is Best for Couples?
A relationship therapist typically utilizes a range of science-backed techniques and treatment approaches best suited to the couple’s goals, needs, and situation. Like choosing your therapist, the best type of therapy for a relationship depends on the individuals and the relationship goals.
Can Therapy Save a Relationship?
Relationship counseling or therapy can help improve a relationship, but the individuals within the relationship have to want it to succeed and be willing to put in the work. Ultimately, a relationship therapist is there to give you the tools and perspective to move forward, but whether therapy can save a relationship will come down to the partners in the relationship.
Our Approach to Relationship Therapy and Conflict Resolution
We understand the importance of speaking with the right therapist for your needs. The team of psychologists and therapists at Thriving Center of Psychology are all interviewed and vetted, ensuring you get the highest quality of treatment.
Our approach to relationship therapy is tailored entirely around you and your partner to support your needs and goals. By having a strong understanding of you both, you will be matched with the best-suited therapist for your relationship. Your relationship therapist will use evidence-based techniques and exercises to move forward.
How to Find a Relationship Therapist
If you find yourself Googling “psychologist for relationships near me,” we know the sheer amount of results can feel overwhelming. Instead, start working with Thriving Center of Psychology and match with one of our caring therapists that best fits your needs.
If you need help with your relationship, the compassionate team at Thriving Center of Psychology can help. Book your appointment through the website or call the offices directly. Appointments may be conducted via online video TeleTherapy.