A person with OCPD plans their life, which can be inspired by a deep fear that, without constant vigilance, everything will crumble into chaos. It is not about a priority for hygiene, but is a fundamental way to see the world, where structure and perfection are paramount to feel safe. Do your partner’s routine and strict rules control you, and do you feel emotionally far away?
The experience is both isolating and confusing, and is often the reality for those who are in a relationship with a companion standard that you can never meet. We are going to explore further into the world of OCPD. Full form is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, a condition that can deeply influence the delicate dance of a romantic relationship.
How does relationship counselling work?
Relationship counselling is a type of talk therapy where partners sit with a trained relationship advisor to work out their issues. The counsellor helps as a guide for both people.
Many people believe that going to relationship counselling means you are failing in your relationship. But we should think of it as visiting a doctor for a check-up and getting expert advice to keep yourself and your partner healthy.
Signs That Your Relationship Needs Counselling
Let’s take a look at some common signs that tell your relationship needs counselling:
1. You are constantly fighting
If every conversation you have with your partner turns into an argument, it may be time to get help. If both of you are constantly fighting, it becomes harder to solve even small issues, which builds resentment over time.
2. You are having the same arguments.
Maybe you are having the same fights over and over again, it could be about money, or marriage issues, but you are not able to find a solution. If these arguments keep repeating, it often means there are deeper problems that need to be fixed. A couple’s psychologist can walk through your marriage problems and give appropriate solutions.
3. You are feeling distant from your partner.
When your emotional connection starts fading, you start living parallel lives. If you or your partner is feeling distant or unloved, counselling can help you to get back on the same page by revealing the silent issues that you are unable to.
4. Big life changes are taking a toll.
There are many life changes which can easily mess up even the strongest relationships, it could be losing a job or the arrival of a baby. These life changes can create tension and distance; talking to a relationship consultant can help you cope with these changes better.
5. You struggle with decision-making.
Many partners struggle to agree on important things like finances, where to live or family planning, which can turn into distasteful arguments. A counsellor can teach skills for fair decision-making.
6. You are having a rough patch.
Sometimes, lying or addiction destroys the trust between a couple. It takes two to make the relationship work. With the help of counseling, both partners can have a safe space to work through their relationship issues.
7. You just want a stronger connection.
It is a common myth that counseling is only for those couples who have relationship problems. There are so many couples who like to go for counseling for better communication or to build a stronger bond. It’s a very healthy approach for the growth of the relationship.
What you should expect in counselling
You might be nervous about going to relationship counselling, and whether it will work or not. But knowing about how it works can make it easier to take the first step.
- The relationship expert would like to know more about your history and ask about the changes you would like to make.
- Therapists may use different methods that can help you have a healthy conversation or meet each other’s deeper emotional needs.
- Counselling often requires small practices to implement at home, like practising listening, setting aside time to talk, or writing down feelings.
- You can try to be more honest with your partner; this will make counselling more effective. Both partners need to show up and put in the effort to make a relationship work.
Think of counselling as a team effort, not a winning match. The goal is not to decide who’s right or wrong, but to understand each other better and move forward together.
Tips to Make Counselling Work
It takes a lot of effort to make counselling work; it can only work if both partners are willing to try. So, here are some tips to get the most out of your counselling sessions:
- Don’t try to hide your feelings. Say what’s on your mind, even if it’s uncomfortable.
- Try to understand your partner’s point of view instead of defending yourself.
- You should know problems don’t just disappear overnight. It takes time to see real changes in your relationship.
- Try to apply what you learn from your sessions outside. Even the small steps you take can make a huge difference in your relationship.
- Counselling isn’t about who is winning the argument; it’s about building a stronger relationship. You should focus on the greater goal and the love you have for each other.
What to do if your partner refuses counseling?
It’s common among couples that one partner is more open to counselling than the other. If your partner is refusing, then here’s what you can do:
- You can go alone and start with yourself. Improve your own communication skills and reactions that can shift the dynamics between you two.
- Try to share your feelings calmly by saying, “I want us to reconnect and get back on the same page, as I am feeling distant from you.” Avoid saying “you never listen.”
- You can suggest a trial run. Ask your partner to attend just a few sessions before coming to a final decision.
- Talking about the benefits of counselling, like how you can feel less stressed out, and it can bring you closer to each other.
When one partner takes the first step, the other usually follows through,
Why Couples Often Wait Too Long
Many couples choose to go for counseling when things become extremely difficult. Some fear that choosing counselling would mean that their relationship is broken, while others believe that it’s a phase, and things will be back to normal in no time. But if you keep waiting, it will make things worse, issues will keep piling up, and resentment will start to grow.
It is very important to start counseling early, before things get more difficult and harder to change. Counselling gives you a chance of making things better. If you are looking for one of the best couple psychologists in India, then you can easily rely on the holding hands.
Final Thoughts
Yes, every relationship has its challenges. But there’s a difference between regular ups and downs and constant fights that don’t simmer down. If you are having repeated arguments and keep feeling that you are getting further from each other over time, it may be the best time to consider counselling.
Nobody should think that counselling means you’ve failed your relationship or your partner; rather, it means you care deeply about your relationship, that you are willing to fight for it! With constant efforts and the right support, couples can rekindle their love for each other and move past these difficulties.
Your relationship is an important part of your life, and investing in it is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
FAQs
Q1. How can couples counselling improve communication and trust between partners?
Couples counselling gives both partners a safe space to talk openly without fear of being judged or misunderstood. A counsellor helps identify unhealthy communication patterns like constant blaming or avoiding tough conversations and replaces them with healthier ways to listen and respond. Over time, these practices help build trust because both partners start feeling heard, respected and understood.
Q2. Is it normal for long-term couples to seek counseling?
Yes, absolutely. Many couples who’ve been together for years still face conflicts or emotional distance. Seeking counselling means the relationship is failing; it often means both partners value the relationship enough to work on it.
Q3. How do you find the right couples psychologist or relationship counsellor?
You can look for licensed psychologists online, like searching for the best couples psychologist in India, and you may find many good psychologists, like the helping hands that can offer face-to-face sessions or online sessions.
Q4. How long does couples counseling usually take to show results?
It could vary from couple to couple. Some couples notice improvements in just 4-6 sessions, while some require more time when there are long-standing issues. On average, couples attend counseling for about 12-20 sessions. It depends on you and your partner, and how committed you are to making changes in your relationship.
Q5. Can couples counseling prevent a breakup or divorce?
In many cases, yes, it is possible. Counselling helps in uncovering the root causes of problems and providing the right tools to help both partners manage conflicts better. That said, it’s not a guaranteed solution.
Q6. What should couples expect during their first relationship counselling session?
In the first few sessions, the counsellor would like to know about your history and the challenges you are both dealing with. As you move forward, the expert will give you tools to deal with your issues in a healthy manner, which will eventually help you and your partner move past your problems.
The Holding Hands