When we cannot handle our problems alone, we may need the support of others. Especially when we have issues with our partners, the situation can escalate beyond our control and can only be resolved through a method where two people work together. However, being in a relationship requires recognizing our own contribution to the problem and cooperating with our partner. In times of intense emotions, we may feel compelled to shift the responsibility of solving the problem onto each other. Phrases like "If you just give up on this commitment, everything will go back to normal," or "You know everything is your fault, look at yourself!" When directed at the other party, we often forget the initial problem and encounter entirely new communication issues, sometimes even losing respect for each other. In the struggle through these problem spirals, we hurt each other, almost forgetting who we are and what we mean to each other. Couples therapy exists precisely to address the consequences of problems in our close relationships reaching these levels, and in this article, we'll explore some scenarios where couples therapy could be beneficial in resolving our issues before they escalate further.

1. Trust Issues

One of the situations that prompts couples to seek therapy is having trust issues. Lack of trust in relationships can be eroded by sexual or emotional infidelity, as well as breaches of trust in confidentiality, finances, or other matters. When trust in a relationship is compromised, having calm discussions becomes challenging due to experiencing negative emotions such as resentment, anger, betrayal, and sadness simultaneously. At this stage, partners seeking to restore trust engage in discussions while trying to manage tense emotions. Due to the presence of a neutral third party, couples therapy can be beneficial particularly during these conversations. In most cases, one partner initiates therapy with the intent of self-improvement, but in the therapy room, they find an opportunity to speak much more peaceably about their lives. When partners comprehend the role of trust issues in their relationships and undergo therapy for reconciliation, they can strengthen their bond.

2. External Interventions

A common issue in marriages is the interference of the families of married couples. This scenario, often perceived as "in-laws vs. spouse," can negatively impact the establishment of a new family order. Trying to create a new family structure based on the beliefs and values of two different families can sometimes be challenging. Unsolicited opinions and interventions from outsiders complicate this process, especially when they come from respected individuals whose opinions are valued. Partners may find it difficult to decide what is right for themselves regarding their families. Disagreements can arise if one partner prefers to follow the advice of their parents while the other believes they should establish their own rules. Also, accepting interventions from the original families of one or both partners may be considered another source of conflict. In this scenario, partners, individually and as a couple, should reconsider the boundaries they set between themselves and the outside world and engage in discussions on common ground. Seeking help from a neutral third party in therapy facilitates this. 

3. Illness of a Close Family Member

The physical or mental illness of a family member can emotionally, physically, or financially affect another member. For instance, when a loved one develops an eating disorder or addiction, the affected person may face various challenges with their partner's pressure to improve the situation or enhance the solutions they find. The family member witnessing the distress may find it difficult to feel appreciated for their supportive efforts. Additionally, the partner witnessing the loved one's difficulties can become another source of tension. Particularly in the case of physical illness, close contact with the affected family member can lead to fatigue. In some cases, not receiving the expected emotional and physical support from the partner can result in frustration. Nonetheless, the illness of one family member significantly increases the stress levels of other family members, hence, in such situations, the application of couples therapy helps alleviate the family's process to be less painful.