No relationship is ever without challenges. When two people come together they bring into a relationship their own past experiences, their own ingrained values and beliefs. It goes without saying that these experiences, values, beliefs and so forth, will at times seem incongruous.

Relationships are constantly tested. The stress of daily living, work commitments, responsibilities linked to extended family, children, friends, sexual expectations, third party involvement and so forth can cause distress for one or both partners in a relationship. 

Sometimes it is the case that no specific issue in the relationship can be identified but rather it begins to feel like there is no functional communication happening between the partners. It may feel that there is no harmony or a lack of care in the relationship. Both or one of the partners may begin to feel depressed, anxious, sad, resentful, withdrawn and so forth, resulting in, not only a threat to the relationship, but to the mental health of one or both of the partners.

A vicious cycle developes - the difficulties in the relationship leave one or both of the partners distressed, the distressed partner/s shows signs of depression, anxiety or some other form of psychological distress, which further challenges and puts strain on the relationship. 

Psychotherapy for couples can promote a more healthy approach to dealing with problems that are presented in the relationship. Common problems addressed in psychotherapy for couples can include; financial issues, infidelity, divorce, sexual difficulties, infertility and related aspects, conflictual child rearing practices, trauma, anger, blended families, unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence and so forth.  Psychotherapy can allow couples to explore and identify poor communication. It can also be a space in which couples can strengthen their relationship. Partners can learn to support and understand the difficulties being presented by each other.