Top 10 Reasons Couples Seek Relationship Counselling & How It Helps

---

🎮 Family Feud: Top 10 Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Host: We asked 100 couples’ therapists, “What are the top reasons to seek couples therapy?”
Contestants: Let’s play Family Feud!

When Should You Consider Couples Counselling?

Couples counselling can be transformative, providing partners with the tools to communicate better, rebuild trust, and navigate challenges effectively. But what brings most couples to seek help? We analyzed the most common reasons couples enter therapy, ranked from least to most frequent, so you can better understand when relationship counselling might be right for you.

Learn more about our relationship counselling services

If you know you want relationship therapy, but don't know where to start, schedule a 'find your therapist consultation.'

Top 10 Answers on the Board:

1. Communication Problems – 95 Points

   • Poor communication is one of the most cited reasons couples seek therapy. Misunderstandings, lack of open dialogue, and ineffective conflict resolution are key drivers. 
     • Reference: Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.

2. Infidelity and Trust Issues – 89 Points

   • Extramarital affairs, emotional infidelity, and breaches of trust often lead couples to seek help to rebuild trust.
     • Reference: Blow, A. J., & Hartnett, K. (2005). Infidelity in committed relationships: A methodological review. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 31(2), 183–216.

3. Emotional Distance and Lack of Intimacy – 82 Points

   • Emotional detachment and a lack of closeness are common reasons couples feel disconnected.
     • Reference: Johnson, S. M. (2004). The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection. Routledge.

4. Financial Stress and Disagreements – 78 Points

   • Money-related conflicts, differing financial values, and lack of financial planning can cause significant strain in relationships.
     • Reference: Dew, J., & Dakin, J. (2011). Financial disagreements and marital conflict tactics. Journal of Financial Therapy, 2(1), 23–42.

5. Parenting Differences and Family Issues – 74 Points

   • Disagreements over parenting styles, discipline, and managing extended family relationships often lead to therapy.
     • Reference: Papp, L. M., & Pendry, P. (2011). Daily associations between co-parenting conflict and child adjustment. Journal of Family Psychology, 25(4), 728–735.

6. Sexual Issues and Mismatched Libido – 70 Points

   • Discrepancies in sexual desire, lack of intimacy, and sexual dissatisfaction often prompt couples to seek professional help.
     • Reference: McCarthy, B., & Wald, R. (2012). Sexual dysfunction and relationship functioning: Theory, research, and clinical implications. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 38(4), 298–303.

7. Unresolved Past Trauma or Individual Issues – 65 Points

   • Individual trauma, mental health challenges, and unresolved personal history can negatively impact the relationship.
     • Reference: Johnson, S. M., Makinen, J. A., & Millikin, J. W. (2001). Attachment injuries in couple relationships: A new perspective on impasses in couples therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 27(2), 145–155.

8. Lack of Quality Time and Prioritizing the Relationship – 59 Points

   • When couples feel neglected or that their relationship is no longer a priority, they may seek therapy.
     • Reference: Halford, W. K., & Wilson, K. L. (2009). Predicting future relationship satisfaction from couple communication and conflict patterns. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 771–783.

9. Constant Arguing and Conflict – 54 Points

   • Persistent conflicts that go unresolved can escalate and drive couples to seek professional mediation.
     • Reference: Gottman, J. M. (1993). A theory of marital dissolution and stability. Journal of Family Psychology, 7(1), 57–75.

10. Life Transitions and Stressful Events – 49 Points

    • Major life changes such as relocation, career changes, or health issues can strain relationships.
      • Reference: Bodenmann, G., Ledermann, T., & Bradbury, T. N. (2007). Stress, sex, and satisfaction in marriage. Personal Relationships, 14(4), 551–569.

---

🎤 Final Takeaway:

Is It Time to Seek Couples Counselling?

If any of these issues resonate with your relationship, seeking help from a qualified therapist can provide a path toward healing and connection. Relationship counselling offers couples the opportunity to improve communication, rebuild trust, and create a more fulfilling partnership. Don’t wait until challenges become insurmountable—take the first step toward strengthening your relationship today.

Ready to play? Survey says… let’s get started! 🎯

If you’re considering couples therapy, explore our relationship counselling programs.