“There are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Couples therapy – through the lens
Couples therapy is a form of therapy that works to facilitate positive change in a romantic relationship in a safe environment with the help of a trained therapist.
Couples come to therapy for a number of reasons – from frequent arguments and disagreements that continue to go unresolved, to infidelity, sexual difficulties, communication issues, parenting conflicts, signs of a failing marriage and mental health challenges.
Some couples simply come without any specific issue but instead with the aim of learning more about each other in order to strengthen their relationship further.
Couples therapy is often the subject of fascination and curiosity for many due to the intricacies of human relationships and the dynamics between partners, and one show that has allowed us to delve deeper into this world is the BBC’s “Couples Therapy.”
Through its candid portrayal of real couples seeking help from relationship expert – Dr Orna Guralnik, the show offers viewers a unique opportunity to reflect on their own relationships by watching the struggles of others.
After each episode you may even find yourself asking your partner – “Am I like that?” or “Do you think we have that problem?”
The allure of voyeurism
TV shows like “Couples Therapy” wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t human nature to want to peek into the intimate lives of others, and the allure of this type of voyeurism often comes from the desire for feelings of validation or even superiority.
By observing the struggles and triumphs of the couples on “Couples Therapy”, viewers are given a chance to compare their relationships with those on-screen and gain valuable insights as a result.
However, it is crucial to approach this voyeuristic experience with caution, as we may find ourselves unfairly judging the people on-screen, even taking sides, and not appreciating that every couple is different, that every love is different, and that everyone comes into a relationship with their own unique experiences, insecurities and complexities that will influence their behaviour in that relationship.
Self-awareness and having empathy
Though it’s easy to sit on the sofa and consume “Couples Therapy” as simple “entertainment” to pass the time, it’s important to note the bravery of the couples involved – not just to take part in the show, but to allow themselves to be vulnerable in order to try and improve their relationships.
It’s also vital to approach it with self-awareness and empathy, and to remember that our own biases, experiences, and preconceived notions will also influence how we interpret and analyse the situations presented on-screen.
What the show does best is serve as a reminder that every relationship faces its own unique set of hurdles, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step towards growth and healing, that deserves admiration.
Exploring couples therapy for yourself
Choosing to take part in couples therapy is often falsely seen as the sign of a failing relationship that cannot be salvaged, when on the contrary, it actually demonstrates strength, commitment and the love you have for each other in being willing to work on your relationship with the help of a trained professional.
Relationships are complex, and no two couples are the same.
This is something that we take into account here at The Therapy Room when we are working with couples.
We know that a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work which is why we spend time exploring your unique issues, both individually, and as a couple, in order to work on effective and long-lasting solutions.
We do this by providing a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic space for you to work on whatever has brought you to our door, without taking sides, and by offering the unique insight of a trained relationship expert that will help you to strengthen the connection you share and feel happier as a result.
At the Therapy Room, we want to get you and your relationship back to good, whatever good looks like for you. We encourage open communication and honesty in order to make way for a healthy and pleasurable intimate connection, in whatever form that takes.
Founder Jay L Pink Ad.Prof.Dip MBACP PC MNCS (ACC) established The Therapy Room to offer high quality, expert counselling and therapy services to people of all ages, as well as to couples for relationship and partner counselling and groups for corporate and family therapy. Jay’s commitment to anyone visiting The Therapy Room is to unconditionally respect values, lifestyle, background and beliefs, offering a discreet and professional service tailored to their needs.
Therapy is held either in-person at The Therapy Room in Northampton or online.
To organise a booking, please visit our bookings and payment page.
