Relationships have a remarkable impact on feelings of self-respect and how we associate it with others. They can provide us with security, hope, excitement, and affection. However, our closest relationships are sometimes referred to as the playground or battleground, upon which our unresolved past, the most damaging behaviors, and our deepest vulnerabilities can be revealed.

According to some studies, approximately 25% of people are experiencing distressing relationships that are characterized by the issues of communication, trust, money and sex. Only 1 in 3 people report as being happy and satisfied with their partner and with their sex life but others report various issues such as the loss of intimacy and libido.

According to research, healthy relationships are directly related to an individual’s good mental health. It has also been found by some comparative studies that the individuals who report healthy relationships are less likely to report mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

How to find a Relationship Problems Therapist

If you are looking to find the perfect Relationship Problems therapist it is crucial to make sure that they have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience. At Expat Therapy 4U we only accept therapists who have full professional proficiency in English and are highly experienced in working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The clinicians we approve share our values and commitment to provide high quality therapy to the expatriate community in the private sector across Europe and online worldwide. We strongly believe that therapy changes lives, and being accredited ensures all our therapists are qualified to a high standard. You can find a Relationship Problems therapist who is insured to practice and accredited with a recognised membership body online here.

Signs of Relationship Problems

Here are some of the signs that give you a warning about a troubled relationship. It does not mean that the connection of love in a relationship cannot be established as it was before or it’s not salvageable. But it means that you both need to have an honest communication at this time or need the help of a counsellor.

Unwillingness to compromise on decisions, such as having more children, moving, house chores or social activities can lead to problems in a relationship. Problems and arguments that don’t get resolved may be because of the habit of flirting or a secret romantic relationship, which can cause significant problems. The use of alcohol or drugs can affect relationships or work and ultimately lead to passive or aggressive behavior that also includes shoving or breaking objects.

Controlling behaviour and giving unwanted orders or advice can cause serious issues. Repeated instances of disrespectful, sarcastic, undermining, critical or manipulative comments are also known as verbal abuse and can undermine the trust and love in a relationship. Self-involvement or selfishness with your own needs and feelings without having concern for those of your partner is strongly linked to problems between partners.

Common causes of Relationship Problems

Here are some of the reasons that lead to the problems and failure of relationships. These reasons simply represent the damaging and most common factors behind the breakup.

Trust issues

Loss or lack of trust is one of the most harmful factors of relationship failures. A relationship is broken when there is no trust between the partners.

Factors such as possessiveness, jealousy, emotional infidelity, unreasonable rigidity, lack of dependability and reliability, lack of mutual support goals, and financial compatibility need to be taken into account, as well.

Difference in priorities

Each partner has different expectations and priorities regarding the relationship. There are many aspects of life that can justifiably take higher priority.

For some partners, their family is their first priority and is the primary focus of life. On the other hand, for others, a romantic relationship is one of the facets of life. These differences in priorities can cause problems in relationships.

Communication issues

This is a major cause of problems in any kind of relationship. According to studies, it is considered one of the top reasons for breakup and divorce as well as the top reason for couple therapy.

Dr John Gottman of the Washington University concluded after 20 years of his research that “The best predictor of divorce is when one or both partners show contempt in a relationship.”

Moving through life at a different speed

There may be a source of rational divergence when one partner is growing and learning at a rapid speed while the other is stagnating.

For example, one partner has achieved success in career and society so fast while the other is stagnating at home, and both the partners have grown apart socially, intellectually and physically.

Money issues

The top reason of dissolution is the difference in financial status. There is a greater possibility of financial incompatibility in a long committed relationship.

Disputes and money issues tap into some of the greatest psychological fears and needs and are not limited to control, survival, power, safety and trust. 

Life habit abuse

These are the traits that ultimately affect the relationship in a destructive way. These include alcohol addiction, sexual addiction, gambling, and drug addiction.

Relational abuse

It is defined as the repetitive mistreatment of any person or individual. It includes sexual, emotional, physical, and verbal abuse.

In addition, sexual problems, new parenthood, and menopause are some of the other factors that can lead to significant relationship problems.

Recommended treatments for Relationship Problems

Therapy is a powerful tool that navigates the issues of all kinds of relationships. Depending on the circumstances, individual counselling is a good alternative to address relationship issues. Individual counselling for the problems of relationships can be the strongest tool for reclaiming the happiness of your life. This method is often used to process the experiences and to determine the future of relationships.

A therapist can help couples unite if both the partners choose to maintain the relationship. The therapist helps couples through refining the feelings surrounding their relationship, guides the couples through the healing purpose, and teaches them skills that are beneficial for them to rebuild their trust.

Here are some of the major topics that are usually covered in this kind of therapy.

1. Your strengths that can assist to improve the relationship.
2. Acceptance of relationship.
3. Decisions and strategies for your relation to go forward.
4. Specific behaviours.
5. Negative feelings of both the partners.
6. Relationship patterns that also include dysfunctional patterns.
7. Your relationships and family history.

Find a Relationship Problems Therapist through the Expat Therapy 4U platform

A therapist can assist both the partners to recognize and process both the unhealthy and healthy behaviors, such as emotional abuse and codependency, in their relationship. In addition, the therapist helps both the partners to recognize their emotions concerning their relationship and trauma phase and to address the problems.

Finally, get ready to work on your relationship problems and truly observe what needs to be done. Don’t expect and believe that these problems will not exist if you’re with someone else. Unless you speak out about your problems, lack of communication will be there and will always cause problems, no matter what kind of relationship it is.

Further Readings on Relationship Problems Issues

https://theinternationalpsychologyclinic.com/problems/affairs-and-betrayals-counselling-london/

https://theinternationalpsychologyclinic.com/the-10-most-common-problems-people-have-in-relationships-and-how-to-deal-with-them/

https://theinternationalpsychologyclinic.com/how-your-attachment-style-affects-your-relationship/