3 If you break up
People sometimes stop being together. This doesn’t always indicate that the relationship is unsuccessful. There are times when they just worked out or the partners have incompatible goals. But even if a couple breaks up by mutual consent and relatively calmly, it does not mean that no one is hurt. A breakup is always quite traumatic. And when there are children in the family, it is doubly painful.
A psychologist can help make the breakup more environmentally friendly. The couple will probably be able to accept that not everything in the relationship was bad, even though it may seem that way now. Recognise the meaningful differences that are driving them apart. Agree on how the former lovers will interact further, if necessary. And perhaps even remain friends.
4. If a problem has arisen that affects both of them
Family difficulties aren’t always about conflict or misunderstandings within a couple. Sometimes partners remain a team when faced with something from the outside. But they can’t sort it out on their own. Individual therapy doesn’t always seem fair, because they have to act together.
For example, there is perinatal family therapy for those who are expecting a child. Pregnancy and the arrival of children change a lot of things in themselves. And if you add fears and misunderstandings, life can become difficult and alienate the partners from each other, even if they are now working together as a united front. Couples therapy can help them to be more ready for change.
