Couples & Marriage Counseling

Is Your Relationship In Trouble?

couple walking in the snow smiling at each other, with dog on leash and man is holding wooden sled
  • It feels like you are in a constant struggle with your partner

  • You are emotionally drained but the arguments keep coming

  • The passion is difficult to find or gone altogether

  • Intimacy is absent, filled with tension, or feels like a chore

  • You are continually misunderstood and misjudged

We sometimes picture the perfect marriage as being in a constant state of harmony; the reality is that all couples experience ups and downs in their relationship.

The downs are often challenges for which we are not prepared for or don’t have the understanding or tools to address in a healthy way.  Perhaps you are experiencing a lack of intimacy. You seem to be on a different page than each other, but you are both hurting.

It’s hard to feel connected with your partner when you feel like there is no longer any spark or passion, and your partner says it's hard to feel spark or passion when you are not connected.

It seems as if you are coming at every conversation from completely opposite ends, with absolutely no idea where middle ground lies. Over time this struggle, emotional distance and lack of intimacy can create an even wider gap -a gap that feels impossible to bridge back together.

It may seem like there’s no hope, but with the help of a trained, licensed couples therapist, meaningful and intimate connection can absolutely be found again. At RelationshipStore, our couples therapists can help you heal from past injuries and  arguments, strengthen your communication skills, rebuild emotional connection, and find the pathway to enjoying intimacy with each other again. We will help you see and understand the specific negative cycles and patterns that you and your partner engage in. We will work with you to create a new more positive and collaborative dynamic and response to future challenges.

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It’s Normal for Couples to Have Rough Patches.

Going through a difficult time doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your marriage or relationship. While it may feel uncomfortable to seek out couples counseling, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that almost 50% of couples have attended couples therapy.

Seeking help with your relationship isn’t necessarily a sign that your relationship is in big trouble, it instead shows that you and your partner are committed to the relationship and want to learn and grow together in a healthy way. 

Couples counseling can and will help any couple. Just like in any other aspect of your life, having a trained professional can help you navigate something you’re unfamiliar with. We do not get training in having healthy relationships in school, nor for the most part in our family of origin.

Therefore, most couples learn as they go, making thousands of painful mistakes in the process. At RelationshipStore, you will learn the cycles and dynamic (the healthy and conflictual parts of our cycle and how they interact) of your particular relationship. This eliminates this painful mistake by mistake learning and creates positive flow and success in your interactions.

Whether your challenges are infidelity, trust issues, communication problems, infertility issues, or financial issues - the stress and strain is weighing on your marriage or relationship. The good news is that by seeking help from an experienced couples counselor, your relationship can get better.

Couples counseling can help you revive intimacy and improve communication, equipping you with effective tools for your couples’ toolbox. These tools will empower both you and your partner to navigate future challenges, creating a stronger connection with your partner. 

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Recent Research Shows That Couples Therapy Has a 70% Success Rate.

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This shows a significant improvement in the happiness of couples post-therapy compared to before counseling. At RelationshipStore, our compassionate team possesses extensive experience in couples and marriage counseling. We understand that each couple faces unique challenges, and our goal is to assess and treat these issues thoroughly. We will assist you in building or rebuilding a compassionate loving relationship with healthy boundaries and respect.

During sessions, we employ a variety of proven therapeutic methods, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Imago Relationship Therapy, Dynamic Mapping, The Gottman Method, and Solution-Focused Therapy. This diverse range of approaches allows us to tailor our counseling sessions to the specific needs of you and your partner.

Through a careful assessment of your challenges, we determine the most effective method to guide you towards healthier relationship dynamics. Our commitment to offering a personalized approach ensures that you receive the support and tools that resonate best with your unique situation.

When you are  facing challenges in your relationship, it can turn your world upside down. The future can seem scary when something that used to be so certain, is now unpredictable and shaky. We want you to know that there is hope for your relationship. With the right support, you can cultivate a relationship that is an ongoing source of love, joy, and deep connection.

Through our proven processes, compassionate guidance and personalized strategies, we have helped countless couples overcome similar challenges. Relationships are our expertise, and we’re here to bring our specialized support and guidance to transform yours.

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You May Still Have Questions About Couples Counseling

How can I convince my partner to go to couples counseling with me?

While we cannot guarantee a specific solution, it is common for one partner to be hesitant about counseling due to preconceived negative ideas or fears.

It may help to assure your partner that the focus is not about assigning blame or determining who is right or wrong. Our approach focuses on understanding the relationship dynamics and working on thoughts, behaviors, and patterns that contribute to both positive and negative outcomes. This process fosters healing, connection, and harmony without shame or blame.

To encourage your partner, you can try relating counseling to something they can understand, like attending a work training where even one valuable takeaway can make a difference.

Emphasize that your intention is to improve your relationship, and kindly request their open-mindedness for just one session. Once they experience the value of that first meeting, they often choose to continue their journey with us.

Does couples counseling work?

Yes, couples counseling has been shown to be effective for many couples. Research shows that a significant amount of couples have positive outcomes - such as better communication skills, understanding each other, and being satisfied in their relationship. Success often depends on factors such as the commitment of both partners and what issues are being addressed.

How long will we have to go to couples counseling to fix our relationship?

The duration of couples counseling varies for each couple. Some couples may experience positive changes in a few sessions, while others may require more time to address deeper issues. The length is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the issues, the level of commitment from both partners, and the outcome you are looking to reach. The therapist will work with the couple to set realistic goals and determine an appropriate timeline for achieving them.

How can a stranger help us with our relationship?

Our counselors, as a neutral third party, can offer valuable insights and unbiased perspectives. Often what happens is that you and your partner think you’re arguing about one thing, but there are actually two separate conversations going on. This communication breakdown frequently leads to confusion, misinterpretation and escalating conflicts. Just like a mechanic possesses the knowledge and skills to diagnose and address car problems, a relationship professional, such as a counselor or therapist, is equipped with the expertise to identify, understand, and guide couples through their relationship struggles.

THERE IS HOPE FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP.

RelationshipStore’s team of experienced couples therapists is here to make your relationship a better place.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, we’re available at (630) 974-6777, as well as via email at info@relationshipstore.org 

Our practice is located in Burr Ridge, IL and offers online therapy sessions throughout Illinois.

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