Couples and Marriage Counseling

The average couple waits about six years before seeking any kind of professional help.
If you’re at the point where some of the statements pertain to your situation, it may be time (or even past time) for you and your partner to pick up the phone and make that call.

Why Couples Seek Therapy:

  • We seem to argue about the same two or three things over and over without ever getting anywhere.
  • We can’t seem to talk anymore without getting defensive or critical towards one another.
  • I feel uncomfortable with conflict, and I feel like I can’t bring up how I’m feeling inside without it being misunderstood or misconstrued.
  • We act like roommates, acquaintances, or even business partners with little to no romance or intimacy.
  • My partner is so emotional that when they bring something up I avoid the situation completely or close off.
  • We are having issues with sexual functioning in our relationship and would like guidance on how to improve.
  • There has been infidelity, and we don’t know what to do next.

Do any of these sound familiar?  While every couple who comes to couples or marriage counseling has a unique relationship, these are common concerns we hear when people come to McNulty Counseling for marriage therapy.  The good news is that our therapists are experts in couples & relationship issues.

Get Started

A Note About Communication in Relationships

Most problems in relationships stem from a lack of communication. For some couples, fighting becomes the norm. You and your spouse may feel overwhelmed, or wonder if your marriage can even be saved. You may be tired of not feeling heard, and conversations leave both partners feeling frustrated. Perhaps you know you need to learn new communication tools as a couple, however you don’t know where to go.Therapy is a safe place to learn, use, and practice these techniques. 

Through counseling, you and your partner will learn what’s needed for you both to feel heard, understood, and accepted for who you are. Our counselors teach St. Pete couples effective ways to talk to one another. Furthermore, we introduce the idea of conflict as something that can be positive when handled the right way. Through the counselling process, you and your partner will learn to pivot conversation styles that lead to contempt, defensiveness, criticism, and stonewalling.

A Note About Communication in Relationships

Most problems in relationships stem from a lack of communication. For some couples, fighting becomes the norm. You and your spouse may feel overwhelmed, or wonder if your marriage can even be saved. You may be tired of not feeling heard, and conversations leave both partners feeling frustrated. Perhaps you know you need to learn new communication tools as a couple, however you don’t know where to go.Therapy is a safe place to learn, use, and practice these techniques. 

Through counseling, you and your partner will learn what’s needed for you both to feel heard, understood, and accepted for who you are. Our counselors teach St. Pete couples effective ways to talk to one another. Furthermore, we introduce the idea of conflict as something that can be positive when handled the right way. Through the counselling process, you and your partner will learn to pivot conversation styles that lead to contempt, defensiveness, criticism, and stonewalling.

Through Marriage Counseling, Couples Improve Their Relationship

Every couple’s marriage journey is unique, so your treatment will be as well.  However, here are some of the common things you and your partner will learn:

  • How to approach and discuss sensitive topics that are causing emotional separation.
  • New problem solving techniques to find areas of compromise and understanding.
  • Effective tools to help rebuild  trust and friendship.
  • How to explore each other’s value systems in ways that are encouraging and accepting rather than threatening and disapproving.

How to Make the Most of Couples Counseling:

  • Due to the complexity of couple therapy, it is very important to work with a seasoned professional who has the expertise along with several years of experience and specialized training in couples therapy.
  • Make sure you and your partner are on the same page regarding what you hope to accomplish with couples therapy. Are you both ready and committed to improving the relationship?
  • Schedule a time for couples counseling when you aren’t rushed to get to an appointment so that you can arrive for therapy sessions as relaxed and centered as possible.
  • Move over egos! Being overly focused on who’s right and who’s wrong can make progress very difficult.
  • Be prepared to work outside of session and do any homework your therapist assigns. Amazing things can happen but follow-through is imperative.
  • Remind yourself to focus more on the end goal and what you want to accomplish as a couple on the same team over who’s at fault for what.
  • Sometimes one partner has already mentally checked out and is doing couples therapy solely for their partners sake and to check a box. In this case we recommend you coming in to talk to our couples counselor individually to give you tips on approaching your partner in addition to receiving guidance for your role in your relationship.

How to Make the Most of Couples Counseling:

  • Due to the complexity of couple therapy, it is very important to work with a seasoned professional who has the expertise along with several years of experience and specialized training in couples therapy.
  • Make sure you and your partner are on the same page regarding what you hope to accomplish with couples therapy. Are you both ready and committed to improving the relationship?
  • Schedule a time for couples counseling when you aren’t rushed to get to an appointment so that you can arrive for therapy sessions as relaxed and centered as possible.
  • Move over egos! Being overly focused on who’s right and who’s wrong can make progress very difficult.
  • Be prepared to work outside of session and do any homework your therapist assigns. Amazing things can happen but follow-through is imperative.
  • Remind yourself to focus more on the end goal and what you want to accomplish as a couple on the same team over who’s at fault for what.
  • Sometimes one partner has already mentally checked out and is doing couples therapy solely for their partners sake and to check a box. In this case we recommend you coming in to talk to our couples counselor individually to give you tips on approaching your partner in addition to receiving guidance for your role in your relationship.

Couples Counseling Can Help Improve Relationships in the Following Areas:

  • Remove the anger and sadness of feeling misunderstood and unappreciated.
  • Resolve recurring problems by getting to the root of the disconnect and then addressing and resolving the underlying issues.
  • Going from little or no emotional connection with your partner to revitalizing the love and connectivity that was once there.
  • Rebuild trust and optimism in the relationship.
  • Create a lasting bond of renewed admiration and emotional connectivity to your partner.

Saving your relationship means truly listening to your partner, being a little vulnerable at times and practicing the communications skills you learn through therapy.

Begin Couples & Marriage Counseling in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Sarasota.

You don’t have to live with a struggling relationship. You can find that spark again with the help of one of our couples and marriage counselors located in our St Pete, Tampa, or Sarasota counseling offices. Contact us to get started today!

Are one of you still unsure about starting marriage counseling? Learn about the benefits of couples & marriage therapywhat to expect from couples counseling and how to talk to a partner who is resistant to marriage counseling on our mental health blog.

Begin Couples & Marriage Counseling in St. Petersburg, Florida

You don’t have to live with a struggling relationship. You can find that spark again with the help of one of our couples and marriage counselors located in our St Pete counseling officeContact us to get started today!

Are one of you still unsure about starting marriage counseling? Learn about the benefits of couples & marriage therapywhat to expect from couples counseling and how to talk to a partner who is resistant to marriage counseling on our mental health blog.

Blog Posts About Relationships, Couples & Marriage

From time to time, McNulty Counseling therapists write blog posts on mental health topics they specialize in.  Here are some of the blog posts we’re written to help you learn about relationships & decide if it’s time for couples counseling:

Couples Counselors

Ready to Talk?

You’ve Already Taken the Brave First Step— Contact Us Today to Start the Rest of Your Life.

Let’s Talk