Remainly - Online Couples Therapy

Online couples counseling: the #1 help for arguing couples

One of the most challenging things about being in a relationship is that there are many times when both partners need to communicate their feelings and thoughts, but they don't know how to. This can lead to difficulties communicating, which may eventually lead to arguments. If you're feeling like your relationship could use some help, online couples counseling might be the answer! We will discuss online couples therapy techniques and exercises for couples who want to try something different.

What is online couples counseling? 

Online Couples Counseling (OCC) is a new approach that can help couples struggling with their relationship. Virtual counseling is similar to traditional therapy, but it uses technology as part of the process.

It can help improve communication and strengthen a relationship. Counseling is also helpful when one or both members of the couple cannot attend in-person sessions due to transportation issues, work schedules, etc.

Help for arguing couples | Remainly

When using online couples therapy: 

  • The therapist works with each member of the couple through online video courses.
  • The therapist has listed assignments to the couple and/or individual members. 
  • Sessions may also include online exercises, future plans for your relationship, and more.

There are many ways that virtual counseling can be used: 

  • For couples in long-distance relationships who cannot meet face to face very often or at all due to living far apart. 
  • For couples who cannot find a therapist specializing in the type of issues, they are dealing with.
  • When one or both partners cannot attend sessions due to transportation, work schedules, etc.
  • For those living on military bases and stationed away from home. 

There are some concerns about couples counseling online:  

  • How can a therapist help clients if they cannot see them face to face?
  • Will the couple feel more distant from each other? 

Some studies have shown that online therapy is just as effective as regular couples counseling. In fact, some therapists even prefer using OCC because of its convenience and privacy options for their clients. It offers a safe and effective way to remain connected with your partner even when you are miles apart.

Virtual couples counseling can be used as an alternative to traditional therapy or in conjunction with it, depending on the needs of the couple. It is a new and effective way to strengthen and improve relationships while eliminating the signs of bad communication in a relationship.

Communication in a relationship | Remainly

Online couples counseling benefits

Virtual couples counseling offers several benefits, including:

  • Greater flexibility for those who are unable to attend sessions in person due to transportation issues or work schedules. 
  • A safe distance from partners if they are abusive/violent. This can help maintain safety until the relationship improves.
  • No transportation is required if clients live on military bases or far apart.

Best practicing couples counseling exercises

Here’s the list of some of the best practicing exercises that have been proven beneficial for many couples and can definitely work for you as well. Try these out without using Remainlys online couples counseling and see if it works for you. But please note that if you are dealing with infidelity you should look up exercises for this specifically.

1. The emotional restitution exercise

The emotional restitution exercise is a way to get the ball rolling when you and your partner need help communicating. 

It starts with one person at a time so that each of you gets uninterrupted attention from the other. The next step involves sharing feelings about what just happened between both of you—but not together! You can do this by either writing your feelings down without sending them to each other or talking through some of what you wrote.

2. The comparing task

The comparing task is a way to teach you how to better communicate with your partner. It begins by asking one person at a time what they would like from their relationship and then sharing that answer with the other person, making sure not to compare answers or try to be right about why someone's idea is better than somebody else's. This can be done through writing, talking, or even drawing.

3. The blame game

This is an exercise that requires the couple to take turns listening and sharing. The first person starts by saying something they like about their partner; next, it's the other person's turn to share what they like about their partner. Then comes where things get interesting: you both have five minutes each to talk only about negative things your partner does that really bother you, but no talking during this time! You can take turns or share at the same time.

4. The reward stacking exercise

This exercise is all about finding the balance between talking about what you like and do not like. This can be done by sharing two lists with each other: one of the things your partner does that bothers you and another list of things they do that make you feel loved.

You both take turns choosing three items from each list to talk about and share with each other so that you both feel heard. For a twist on this exercise, try adding a reward system to keep things fun: treat your partner's "like" behaviors as points for rewards later!

Effective couples therapy techniques to try

What is the best way to practice couples counseling? Couples’ therapies can help you and your partner learn how to communicate better and plan the future together. But what particular couple's therapies should we choose for our practice session?
Therapy experts recommend practicing these five types of therapeutic activities: active listening, empathy statements, validation, assertive requests, and problem-solving. Let’s dive into these in detail:

1. Active listening

The first type of therapy exercise is active listening. This technique can help you and your partner learn how to better communicate with each other. The point of this activity is for one person to share an experience while the other listens without any interruption or judgment until their partner has finished talking completely. You may find that it's easier if you take turns.

2. Empathy statements

The next type of couples counseling exercise is empathy statements. A lot of us have a hard time putting ourselves in our partner's shoes and expressing how we understand their feelings without judging them. In this activity, you'll try to better communicate with your partner by using the sentences "I get it" or "I hear that."

3. Validation

The third type of couples counseling exercise is validation. We all have different experiences, and we interpret those experiences in different ways. In this activity, you'll try to understand your partner's point of view by validating their feelings as much as possible.

4. Assertive requests

The fourth type of couples counseling exercise is assertive requests. Being direct and asking for what you need from your partner can be a challenge for some people, but it's important to learn how to do it in order to develop healthy relationships. In this activity, you'll try practicing requesting something without being demanding with your tone of voice.

5. Problem-solving

The fifth and final type of couples counseling exercise is problem-solving. Asking for what you want or need from your partner can be difficult, but it's an essential part of healthy communication in a relationship. In this activity, you'll try to solve different problems together by brainstorming ideas and taking turns choosing which one you both prefer.

FAQs

Can you do online couples therapy?
Yes, you can. With the availability of technology today, you are able to do almost anything online, including couples therapy sessions, even if you and your partner live in different places or countries. Remainly is a platform exclusively for online couples counseling.

Is there free online marriage counseling?
Yes, there is free online marriage counseling that you can try. There may be a limited number of sessions, but in the end, it is worth checking out.

Are there free chat rooms for married couples?
Yes, you can find a lot of them on the internet that is specifically designed for married couples. The best thing about chat rooms is that you do not even need to reveal your identity in the end when you are done with everything.


How can I get relationship advice online?
You can easily get relationship advice online from a lot of free and anonymous chat rooms that you will find on the internet. Virtual couple counseling is also the way to solve relationship problems.


How do you fix a broken relationship?
Couples often do not know how to get back on track when they drift apart. One way is through marriage counseling online, allowing you to connect with a therapist outside of an office setting.

Why do couples fight over nothing?
One theory is that arguing can be a sign of intimacy.  It's said that if you never fight, your relationship might not be good. When you're in love or dating someone new, it seems like even the stupidest things are suddenly worth fighting over—a compliment on your new dress can turn into a five-minute tirade about your worth as a person. You can read more about why couples argue over nothing here.

Conclusion

Though online couples counseling is not the only way to save a relationship and solve problems, it can be useful in certain circumstances. It can help struggling couples get back on track and work through issues that may be hindering their progress together. It could be a good step towards recovery and healing.

References:

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