At The Therapy Hub, we often hear about couples who are unsure whether therapy is right for them. Many people avoid it due to fear, misconceptions, or simply not knowing how to get started. Recently, I had a great conversation with psychologist Belinda Gibson on my podcast This Complex Life, where we explored why people hesitate to seek couples therapy and why they shouldn’t be worried about it. Our discussion highlighted some of the common myths that hold couples back, and I want to share those insights with you here.
Fear of Blame
A major reason people avoid couples therapy is the fear of being blamed. They worry that the therapist will point fingers, or that they’ll leave feeling worse about themselves. But therapy isn’t about assigning fault. As Belinda put it, “They’re scared of being blamed for everything,” but in reality, therapy is about helping both partners understand each other better. It’s a collaborative process focused on growth, not judgment.
Misconceptions About Therapy
Many believe that therapy is only for couples in crisis, but that’s simply not true. Couples therapy can be incredibly valuable for improving communication and deepening your connection, even when things are going well. During our chat, Belinda pointed out, “By not going to therapy, the problems don’t go away—they often get worse, just like avoiding the dentist.” Waiting too long can make minor issues harder to resolve, so why not address them early?
Generational Beliefs
In our discussion, we also touched on how older generational attitudes, like “don’t air your dirty laundry,” can make people uncomfortable with the idea of therapy. However, therapy is private and confidential—a safe space where you can talk openly about your relationship without judgment.
How to Ask Your Partner to Go to Therapy
Asking your partner to go to therapy can feel awkward, especially if you’re not sure how they’ll react. But how you bring it up is key. Instead of saying, “We need therapy,” try framing it as an opportunity to grow: “I’d love for us to work on a few things together and make our relationship even stronger.” This approach is more supportive and less likely to put your partner on the defensive.
Therapy Isn’t About Picking Sides
Another myth is that therapy is about determining who’s right and who’s wrong. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy is a space where both partners can feel heard and understood. As I mentioned during the episode, “It’s not about finding out who’s right or wrong. It’s about understanding each other better and finding a way to move forward together.”
Why Couples Wait Too Long
Often, couples put off therapy until things are at a breaking point. But as Belinda and I discussed, therapy works best when it’s approached earlier. The sooner you address issues, the easier they are to resolve. Therapy can help you build the tools you need to maintain a healthy relationship long before major problems arise.
Take the First Step with The Therapy Hub
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait. At The Therapy Hub, we offer couples therapy that helps you reconnect, communicate better, and tackle challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re in a rough patch or just looking to strengthen your bond, therapy can help you grow together.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how couples therapy can benefit your relationship. Our experienced therapists are here to support you every step of the way. Click here to book a consultation, or give us a call to chat about how we can help. We’re always ready to listen.
If you’re curious about how therapy can support your relationship, get in touch with us at The Therapy Hub. Therapy isn’t a last resort—it’s a powerful tool for building a stronger, healthier connection. Don’t wait until things get tough. Let’s chat today and take the first step together.
Recent Comments