How Couples Counseling Can Help Put The Broken Pieces Of Trust BACK Together
In my counseling practice in Tampa one of the recurring issues I see with couples is trust issues… with either that one (or both parties) having seriously broken the bond of trust in their relationship. As you may know breaking trust with a significant other, or even a close friend, is one of the most devastating and damaging events that can happen in a relationship. But does it have to ruin a relationship??
I was working with a couple last night that have been married for 25 years. During our session I discovered that their main recurring unaddressed issue for the past 5-6 years has been their inability truly trust each other. Their trust issues have gotten so out of control that even making every day plans would end in an all-out verbal brawl. To be clear… a break in trust doesn’t always happen from one big event (i.e. an affair, hiding a large sum of money, etc.). It can happen through multiple micro events and eat away at a relationship over a series of time… still equally damaging. Each happened with this particular couple.
Does this mean their relationship is doomed and they should just call it quits with a divorce? Absolutely not! Couples counseling is the quickest, easiest way to get to the root of the problem and mend the issues of trust before they get any worse. And yes…. it will get worse the longer you wait.
Putting The Pieces Back Together…
First things first… identify if a break in trust is a real underlying issue in your relationship. It can be challenging to identify this yourself since you and your spouse are too close to the problem. Not all relationships have trust issues. Using an experienced couples counselor will drastically speed up this process so you can start working on your trust problems instead of arguing with each other IF you have trust problems.
Next, have a plan that works. When you start exposing trust issues you better make sure you have a workable blueprint on how to do that. This is a very sensitive topic. If it’s not done in the right way it can actually cause MORE damage than not being addressed at all. Take your time and ask people you trust for a good reference for an experienced couples counselor to guide you safety through this process.
Couples counseling will save you time, money, and a lot of heartbreak in the long-haul.
You really only get one good shot to address such a sensitive issue. Make sure when you start exposing your trust problems that it’s done with an expert who respects the severity of the problem, has the skills to identify the symptoms of what trust issues look like, and who has the ability to be respectful and assertive to address both parties of their part in the problem.
Trust issues don’t have to be the end of your relationship. The quicker you take action the faster you can mend the break of trust.
For more information on finding an experienced couples counselor in Tampa contact me today!