Relationships can be both rewarding and challenging. Imagine the two different lifestyles, childhoods, and experiences merging into a union. The two of you will not agree on everything, but you can get along, work together, and stay together.
Contact one of the Christian couples therapists at Plano Christian Counseling today to learn how counseling can help if you are concerned about your relationship.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 943-2631
The short answer is that couples counseling is a safe place where both of you can share what is working and what is not in your relationship without judgment or anger. Your therapist can make suggestions based on your situation. Some of these suggestions may include psychological methods, communication skills, or activities for you and your significant other to participate in to understand each other better.
You can think of your counselor as an unbiased third party. Sometimes we are simply too close to the situation to remove our emotions from the relationship enough to see what is wrong or how to fix it. A counselor is trained to spot the underlying issues wreaking havoc in the relationship and address those problems as well as ways to rebuild and strengthen the union.
At first glance, you might believe that suggesting couples counseling is dramatic. Perhaps you and your significant other do not agree completely about the bills or whose job it is to unload and load the dishwasher. Or the issues could be much more severe. The problem lies in allowing harmful emotions to gain a foothold.
- Topics covered in couples counseling in Plano, Texas.
- An inability to communicate within the relationship
- One or both people are having affairs (or considering one)
- One or both people have an addiction or engage in self-harming behaviors
- Financial issues are causing stress in the relationship
- One or both people feel an emotional distance (lack of emotional intimacy)
- One or both people have a sexual dysfunction
Do any of these sound familiar? Lack of communication and emotional intimacy can lead to discontentment. One person may feel invisible as if the other no longer cares about them. Sexual problems can also play a role in physical intimacy. These issues can be erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, low libido, or due to past trauma.
Discontentment or deep-rooted issues can lead to extramarital affairs with either one person or multiple people. Engaging in risky behavior such as unprotected sex with various people is also a sign that there is something else on a deeper level going on that may take the assistance of a professional mental health specialist to overcome.
Addictions, drug abuse, and alcoholism will eventually lead to severe problems in the relationship. Even if both people engaged in the behavior simultaneously, it could cause an issue later. We have seen couples who used to drink together while they dated. Still, now that they have been married for several years, one of them is exhibiting alcoholic behavior, ruining the relationship. Addictions are powerful and controlling; however, with some professional help, you can beat them.
You can expect confidential sessions between you and a mental health professional specializing in couples’ relational issues. We meld scientific breakthroughs in psychology with faith in God to help our clients move forward in life together.
The following are only a few of the problems we work to help our clients overcome:
Infidelity/adultery – This is a big problem in society today and harms a relationship on every level – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Having an affair, multiple affairs, or one-night stands are often a sign of something wrong on a deeper level.
It may be that the person does not feel worthy of love, has abandonment issues, feels neglected, or has a whole host of problems. Even if you have not engaged in the activity yet, but have considered it, reach out to us today. We can help you dig deep into the why of infidelity and help you stop those thoughts before it ruins your relationship.
Communication – It is human to want to be seen and heard, and when we feel that those needs are not being met, we can build up resentment, anger, and bitterness toward the other person. Often, couples will keep from arguing by not voicing their concerns and expecting their loved ones to simply know. This lack of communication only drives a larger wedge between the couple. Our counselors teach couples communication and critical thinking skills, skills that will last them a lifetime.
Codependency – It is healthy to rely on and trust your partner. However, when either one becomes excessively dependent on the other to the point of controlling and shaming with nonexistent boundaries, the relationship may have evolved into a codependent relationship. Codependency is unhealthy. A therapist can help you identify codependent behaviors and set boundaries to build trust in the relationship and self-esteem.
Substance abuse and addictions – Substance abuse and addictions can destroy a relationship. Sometimes the person feels like they have a handle on the addiction until they meet a trigger. These triggers then produce thoughts and emotions that result in the person engaging in the behavior to gain temporary relief. Addictions of any kind can be hard to break. Working with a professional mental health therapist can help end the cycle of these harmful behaviors.
Financial problems – Debt, student loans, gambling, and overspending are all financial issues that couples may face. Trying to make ends meet can create a cascade of stressful chemical reactions within the body. Add to that stress trying to manage a budget, purchase a new home or car, raise children, or put a child through college, and a relationship can take a downturn.
Couples who may not usually argue with each other will fight about money. Sometimes the problem has more to do with income equality than lack of funds. If one partner is making a lot more money than the other, this can sometimes cause friction and resentment. Our therapists are trained to manage financial concerns between a couple.
There are so many other issues that can crop up during a relationship. Working with a counselor can make a difference in how you recover and how long your relationship will last.
Christian couples counseling at Plano Christian Counseling employs the most effective techniques in overcoming issues and helping people with breakthroughs while simultaneously growing in their walk with God and His Son, Jesus. God created men and women to be helpmates for each other. He yearns for His creations to thrive while bringing Him into their lives to help guide them.
A Christian counselor at Plano Christian Counseling can lead you to grow your faith in Jesus. Only Jesus offers the grace and mercy that results in forgiveness and freedom. The apostle Paul wrote, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)
But that is not always easy, is it? No one can get under our skin as much as our significant other can, and sometimes the issues involved are serious. Please know that you are not alone. Countless others have faced the turmoil and hurt that you are facing today. Relationships can be repaired, but it takes hard work, commitment, grace, mercy, and love. Jesus Christ exemplified those traits, and because of His sacrifice, we can too! The two of you can have victory over your relationship.
Next Steps for Couples Counseling in Plano
Couples willing to work on their relationship and trust God will grow and stay together even through the tough times. Christian couples counseling in Plano can help in your journey of discovery, recovery, and spiritual growth. Contact our reception team today to find the best couples counselor in Plano to meet your needs.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 943-2631