In recent times, relationship counseling has been in popular demand in India. Changing dynamics, exploring layers of a relationship among couples, and resolving issues the couple might face during trying times. Considering the shift from traditional roles to modern livelihood, people are also eager to better their relationships even if there is no particular problem. Relationship counseling online in India has proven to be one of the most sought-after therapies to foster understanding among partners.
Role of Communication in Relationships
Whether it be any kind of relationship, communication is key. Without communication, even the best of relationships have experienced a decline in quality and bonding. It is even more essential when it comes to couples in a relationship. It is important to note that when the issues faced by a couple are not being resolved, it is most likely due to the lack of effective communication. In cases of prolonged experience of problems, fights, or irritation in a relationship, Relationship counseling online in India can help in addressing the issues even from the comfort of one’s home.
Communication Strategies for Couples
Relationship Counseling Online in India for couples helps the partners resolve their issues, strengthen their bond, and build a deeper connection. The counselor may typically use the following communication strategies to enable the client to effectively communicate with their partners –
- Active Listening
The first and foremost component of communication is to listen.
Most problems arise when the partners fail to listen to the other’s perspective without a sense of judgment or feeling offended. Counselors help the client develop active listening that involves listening to the partner without interrupting them and also paraphrasing – restating what they understood using their own words. These simple techniques can make the partner feel validated and show that you are paying attention to what they are saying.
- Using “I” Statements
Using ‘I’ statements has two potential benefits – Expressing Feelings Without Blame and taking ownership of Emotions:
Couples are taught to use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel sad when…”) to help them express their emotions without accusing the partner and finding faults. Likewise, taking ownership of one’s own emotions allows them to understand that the way to respond to any problem is in their hands. This helps the partners develop a sense of responsibility toward managing their emotions while expressing what they feel without blaming the other.
- Setting Aside Time for Communication
In modern dynamics, making space for having some ‘quality time’ with one’s family is as crucial as is scarce. In such cases, effective communication is not possible when the partners do not make time to sit and communicate how they have been feeling lately, what made them happy or sad or annoyed recently, etc.
Sharing what one feels with the partner not only strengthens their relationship but also helps the other partner understand where the problem lies. This allows for speedy and effective resolution of the problem. Hence, counselors in relationship counseling online in India help clients schedule dedicated time for their partners and teach them how to interact effectively.
- Non-Verbal Communication Awareness
Counselors in relationship counseling online in India help the client identify and understand the importance of not just ‘what’ they speak, but the ‘way’ they speak too.
Counselors enable the clients to develop positive body language even during video calls or physical meet-ups as that conveys how interested one is in communicating. Adding to that, counselors also help their clients understand the meaning, inference, and modulation of the tone and volume with which they speak to their partner which may convey the wrong message without meaning it.
- Conflict De-Escalation Techniques
Counselors help couples develop and practice conflict de-escalation techniques that prevent an argument from reaching a stage where it does the most damage. Some techniques involved are –
- Agreeing to Disagree: Counselors help couples recognize when it is alright to have a difference in opinion to prevent unnecessary conflicts and arguments. It also enables the client to develop a non-judgmental attitude towards their partner, where they respect each other’s viewpoints.
- Taking Time-Outs: Couples are encouraged to take small breaks during heated arguments to cool down. This helps in preventing the discussion from becoming a debate or an argument. continuing the discussion.
- Validation of Emotions and Expressing Appreciation
Counselors in relationship counseling online in India enable their clients to develop a sense of Validation of what the other partner is feeling. No emotion is unnecessary. When one feels validated, they feel heard and are ready to work towards solving problems together.
A counselor may also suggest Gratitude Exercises as a weekly practice for couples to help them appreciate the presence of their partners in their lives. It is important to remember, that in a relationship, every small step counts.
- Effective Questioning during a Conversation
Counselors usually enable the clients to develop the skill of questioning their partners. Apart from the tone and volume of their voice, the content and way of phrasing the question also matter.
- Asking open-ended questions: the couple is advised to ask open-ended questions, instead of ‘yes/no’ questions to foster deeper conversations and clearly understand what the partner wants to express.
- Seeking Clarification: couples are encouraged to seek clarification during a conversation when to do not completely understand what their partner is trying to convey. This can help prevent the development of any kind of doubt and misunderstanding due to assumptions.
While it is essential to have your own opinions and maintain self-identity, in a relationship skillful communication can prevent and restore any problem. Counselors in relationship counseling online in India help clients manage their own emotions while helping them understand where their partner feels invalidated. Clients are also taught techniques to manage their expectations from their partners as every individual has their strengths and limitations. Developing a sense of respect and mutual understanding can help partners overcome problems together!
Why CoachForMind?
- Experienced Psychologists: We are a team of licensed RCI-registered clinical psychologists. Our team is well-experienced in various forms of therapy such as CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and other therapeutic techniques used in Relationship counseling. We also have the facility and in-depth experience in conducting online relationship counseling sessions.
- Personalized Approach: We are dedicated to treating our clients in the best-suited way, carefully curated as per the client’s needs, and adhering to one-on-one, client-centered therapy. Therapies would be tailored according to the needs of the couple receiving relationship counseling.
- Scientific Techniques: Our treatment plans and therapeutic methods are based on highly researched scientific findings such as CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy amongst many others used in Relationship counseling online in India.
- Quality service: We at CoachForMind ensure quality services in our treatment regime and therapeutic approaches. Our clients hold most value to us, so we ground our techniques in empathy while maintaining professionalism.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly at coachformind@gmail.com
