9 Signs You and Your Partner Might Need Couples Therapy
Every relationship has its ups and downs. Some conflicts are minor, passing quickly, while others linger, creating distance and frustration. If you and your partner have been struggling to connect, therapy can help. It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about understanding each other better and finding a way forward together. Here are nine signs that couples therapy might be the next step for you and your partner.
In Progress Therapy provides remote and in-person adult ADHD therapy, neurodivergent therapy, and couples & marriage therapy — based in Winston-Salem, NC. Review her services or contact today.
1. Arguments That Go in Circles
Disagreements are part of any relationship. But when the same fights keep happening, never truly resolving, it can feel exhausting. Frustration builds. Resentment lingers. If every argument leads back to the same place, therapy can provide tools to break the cycle.
2. Feeling More Like Roommates Than Partners
Life gets busy. Work, responsibilities, and daily stressors take over. Before you know it, connection fades, and you start feeling like two people simply co-existing. If laughter, affection, and deep conversations are rare, it may be time to focus on reconnecting.
3. Lack of Physical Intimacy
Physical closeness isn’t just about sex—it’s about affection, small gestures, feeling safe in each other’s presence. If intimacy feels forced, distant, or nonexistent, it could be a sign of underlying emotional disconnection. Therapy can help you rebuild that sense of closeness.
4. Conversations End in Frustration or Silence
Good communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about feeling heard. If conversations with your partner often lead to defensiveness, misunderstandings, or shutting down, it may be time to seek help. Therapy can teach practical skills for speaking and listening with patience and understanding.
5. Resentment Has Replaced Compassion
Small irritations can snowball into bigger frustrations over time. When those frustrations go unspoken or unresolved, resentment builds. Instead of seeing the best in your partner, you might find yourself assuming the worst. Therapy can help clear the air and bring kindness back into the relationship.
6. A Break in Trust
Trust is fragile. Once broken, it takes time, patience, and effort to rebuild. If trust issues—whether from dishonesty, secrecy, or infidelity—are creating distance, therapy can help both partners navigate the healing process.
7. Life Transitions Are Taking a Toll
Big life changes—starting a family, changing careers, moving—can put strain on even the strongest relationships. Stress amplifies differences. Expectations shift. When transitions lead to disconnect or tension, therapy can help you navigate the changes as a team.
8. ADHD or Autism Adds Unique Challenges
Neurodivergent couples often face challenges that others don’t always understand. Differences in communication styles, sensory needs, or emotional processing can create tension. A therapist experienced in ADHD and autism can provide guidance tailored to your relationship.
9. Thoughts of Separation Have Crossed Your Mind
Doubts happen. But when thoughts of separation or divorce become more frequent, it’s important to address them. Therapy offers a space to explore those feelings, whether to strengthen the relationship or gain clarity on the next steps.
What to Expect During Couples Therapy
Walking into therapy can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. At In Progress Therapy, the goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where both partners feel heard and valued. Sessions often include:
An initial conversation to understand your relationship’s history and current challenges.
Guidance on improving communication and rebuilding trust.
Practical exercises to strengthen connection and resolve conflicts.
Support for navigating neurodivergent traits in relationships.
A structured approach to help both partners feel empowered in their relationship.
How Couples Therapy Can Strengthen Your Relationship
Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building a relationship that feels fulfilling and secure.
Better Communication: Learn how to express needs clearly and listen with empathy.
Deeper Emotional Connection: Strengthen intimacy and rediscover what brought you together.
Healthier Conflict Resolution: Find ways to work through disagreements with understanding instead of frustration.
Support for Unique Challenges: Gain tools to navigate differences, whether related to ADHD, autism, or personal history.
When it comes to relationships, waiting until things feel unbearable isn’t the answer. Therapy is most effective when both partners are willing to work together before problems become too big to handle alone.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If any of these signs resonate with you, consider reaching out. Investing in your relationship is one of the most valuable things you can do. In Progress Therapy in Winston-Salem, NC, offers professional support tailored to your needs. A stronger, more connected partnership starts with a single step—let’s take it together.
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