Couples therapy – Getting back what the recession took away

It’s sad to think that money, tough times or an economic slump could bring distance between couples. The recession certainly did leave a hole in many people’s pockets but in some homes in South Africa, a hole was left between married couples and family members.

Sometimes it’s a lack of communication that tears couples apart. Sometimes it’s the stress of making ends meet while still having to pay bills and educate children. Over the last two years, recession has certainly made its presence known in South Africa. For many married and unmarried couples, this meant stress not only to their bank accounts but to the foundation of their relationships too.

The constant worry of not knowing how far money will stretch has left many couples going to bed stressed, anxious and/or angry. Fighting on a daily basis about money or the lack thereof may be serious enough to lead to separation. It can result in the deterioration of healthy marriages and the further damage of already rocky marriages.

Divorce as a last resort?

We may only really think about the effect divorce has on a family if it happens to someone we know. We are not always aware of the sadness and divide that separation causes in a family. Divorce is one of the toughest and most life changing decisions that couples will ever have to make should their relationship become unstuck. The decision to stay together and attempt to make it work can be as difficult as the decision to end the relationship. It raises the question, do people intend on taking marriage vows seriously until death do them part? There are, however, things that can be done to try to re-ignite the spark and resurrect the relationship before couples close the door.

Couples Therapy

The recession might have found its way between some couples but giving up on marriage and commitment is not an easy way out. Seeking professional advice is a good idea. Bryanwood Therapy & Assessment Centre provides couples the opportunity to address problems in their relationship. Areas of concern, such as coping with the effects of financial stress on the relationship, are worked through with qualified and experienced therapists who dedicate their professional lives to helping others.

Visit www.bryanwood.co.za for more information.

Other aspects that may be dealt with when couples commit themselves to marital or couples therapy include:

• Mutual needs
• Life values
• Communication
• Marital expectations
• Life goals

When areas of difficulty are shared and discussed between two people in the presence of a therapist, it often brings greater understanding to a relationship. When couple’s are experiencing financial difficulties, partners’ needs are often forgotten or pushed to the side. Financial difficulties and concerns due to the recession are likely to have a negative impact on the quality of a couple’s relationship. Marriage or couples therapy can help partners to create a more supportive partnership in order to withstand external stressors.

Coping with the recession might have been a challenge for many people worldwide. Equally, if not more challenging, is the striving to attain a happy and stable marriage despite the financial effects of the recession.

For advice or information on couples therapy or to book an appointment with one of our many highly qualified therapists at the Bryanwood Therapy & Assessment Centre, call  011 706-2269 or 011 706-0907 or 011 463-1488 or email bryanwood@bryanwood.co.za

Disclaimer: the views expressed in the published Bryanwood newsletters do not necessarily represent the views of all the psychologists at the Bryanwood Therapy & Assessment Centre but are for general informational and marketing purposes only.