Marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs. While every couple experiences challenges, not all know how to navigate them effectively. If you’re considering marriage counseling but are unsure how to bring it up with your spouse, it’s essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect. 

Dr. Phil Chanin, a marriage therapist in Nashville, has successfully helped couples learn new communication skills while enabling partners to be better listeners. Based on Dr. Chanin’s expertise, here are some tips on how to talk to your partner about therapy, common relationship struggles, and strategies for overcoming resistance to marriage counseling. 

Common Issues That Create Relationship Struggles

Many couples seek marriage counseling to address persistent issues that create stress and distance. Some common challenges in relationships include:

• Parenting Pressures: Raising children can be rewarding, but it also puts a strain on a marriage. Parents often focus so much on their children that they neglect their emotional and physical connection.
• Communication Breakdowns: Misunderstandings, defensiveness, and poor listening can lead to unresolved conflicts and emotional distance.
• Financial Stress: Disagreements over money, spending habits, or financial goals can lead to tension and resentment.
• Intimacy Issues: Emotional and physical intimacy can wane over time, especially if couples struggle to make time for one another.
• Trust and Infidelity: Betrayal trauma, whether emotional or physical, can damage trust and require guided support to heal.

How to Approach the Topic of Marriage Counseling

Bringing up marriage counseling to your spouse can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about how they will react. The key is to frame the conversation in a way that emphasizes growth and partnership rather than blame. Here are some tips for starting a conversation about marriage counseling:

• Choose the Right Time and Setting: Avoid discussing therapy during an argument or stressful moment. Instead, find a calm and private time to talk.
• Use ‘I’ Statements: Express your feelings without placing blame. Instead of saying, “You never listen to me,” try, “I feel like we could benefit from learning new ways to communicate.”
• Express Your Desire for a Stronger Relationship: Let your partner know that therapy isn’t about fixing something broken but rather strengthening your bond.
• Acknowledge Their Feelings: If your spouse seems hesitant, validate their concerns. They may worry about stigma, cost, or effectiveness, so be open to hearing their perspective.

Overcoming Resistance to Marriage Counseling

If your spouse is hesitant about seeing a marriage therapist, it’s important to understand their concerns and address them with empathy. Here are ways to break down resistance to marriage counseling:

• Address Common Fears: Some people worry that therapy means their marriage is failing. Reassure your partner that seeking help is a proactive step toward a healthier relationship.
• Share Research and Success Stories: Studies show that marriage counseling is effective. Research from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) indicates that 90% of couples report an improvement in their emotional health after therapy.
• Normalize the Experience: Many couples go to therapy, not because they’re on the brink of divorce, but because they want to improve communication and connection.
• Suggest a Trial Period: If your spouse is unsure, propose trying a few sessions and then reevaluating. Knowing they’re not committing indefinitely can ease their reluctance.
• Find the Right Therapist Together: Involve your partner in choosing a marriage therapist to ensure they feel comfortable and heard.

Strengthen Your Relationship with Dr. Phil Chanin, Marriage Counseling in Nashville, TN

If you and your partner are facing challenges and are looking for guidance, Dr. Phil Chanin offers expert marriage counseling in Nashville, TN. With years of experience helping couples navigate difficult moments, Dr. Chanin provides tools to improve communication, rebuild intimacy, and strengthen relationships. Whether you’re struggling with parenting pressures, communication barriers, or deeper marital concerns, Dr. Chanin can help you and your spouse find clarity and connection.

Taking the step to seek therapy is a sign of commitment, not failure. If you’re ready to invest in your relationship, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Phil Chanin today.