Why Wait?

WHY DO COUPLES WAIT SO LONG TO START THERAPY

• Often only one partner complains of being unhappy or disconnected. It is common for the other partner to deny or minimize unhappiness.
• The relationship slowly loses the attention it needs due to other stressors; children, work, finances, aging parents and more. Often not addressed until a crisis occurs.
• Sometimes there are cultural views that impact beliefs about therapy.
• Mistaken beliefs that create fear or shame about therapy make it difficult for couples to seek help.
• Many couples view therapy only as a solution to a crisis rather than taking preventive measures to maintain health in their relationship.
• Couples minimize how much life transitions impact the relationship—getting married, blending families, raising children, changing jobs, relocating, addictions, or caring for aging parents.
• Some people are also afraid that their partner wants “them” to change—and won’t accept them for who they are.
• Emotionally it is terrifying to give up our self-protection and become vulnerable.

There is no magic wand that can fix broken relationships, but many therapists have incredible success using a type of therapy called Emotionally Focused Therapy or EFT. Statistics show that when couples turn to EFT, almost 90 percent report significant improvements in their relationship. Between 70 and 75 percent of couples who are in distress are able to move into recovery using EFT.

No matter what therapy you turn to, the earlier you get help the better the outcomes.