Therapy used to be thought of as taboo. And I’m sure there are plenty people out there who still believe it as such. However, I’m not one of those people. I think therapy is the greatest. In fact, I think it should be a requirement for all (even if you don’t think you have “issues” to work on), and most definitely a requirement for all relationships. Yes, I’m talking about couples therapy. This is me telling you to seek out a great couples therapist if you’re engaged or married.

Look, if you’re just dating, I’m not telling you to go to couples therapy. That would actually be strange and totally unnecessary. I’m saying that if you’re in a long-term relationship or about to get engaged, or already engaged or married, I feel couples therapy can only benefit not just your relationship, but yourself.

Don’t Wait

The thing is I feel if you wait until you have “issues” or things you need to work on, it can almost be too late. However, if you go prior, just to get a better understanding of each other with the assistance of a professional, that can truly help when those “things” do arise (and, trust me, they will arise).

In the Jewish religion, of course, you get married by a rabbi, and typically, you’ll meet with that rabbi a couple times prior to your wedding. Sometimes that rabbi will take it a step further, and not just meet with you to get to know you, but almost offer up a little bit of what seems like therapy. I actually have friends who said their rabbis talked with them about everything from communication as a couple, to how to fight, to their sex lives and beyond! So, take advantage if your rabbi is offering up, essentially, free therapy.

Now, speaking of “free therapy,” I know therapy can be expensive. And oftentimes, insurance isn’t accepted. However, I feel it’s worth every penny when it comes to bettering yourself and your relationship. It’s an investment worth making.

Before You Go

If you’ve never gone to therapy in your lifetime, it can be a bit daunting. That’s normal, so try not to worry about it. I’d urge you to keep an open mind, though. If you go into it with a negative attitude and not wanting to be there, you’re not going to get anything out of it. And as you continue to go, it’ll get much more comfortable. At first, you might not want to open up and be honest with this stranger sitting in front of you, but remind yourself that they are a professional who has likely been doing this a while, and there is nothing “bad” about you being in therapy. It’s actually really good.

As a side note, if you like to talk, you’ll love therapy. I LOVE to talk, so therapy is actually really fun for me!

Now I’ll get off my soapbox, but I hope this got you to think a bit about going for therapy. There’s nothing wrong with you if you go. You’re not “weird” if you go. You’re actually smarter than most because you’re investing in yourself, in your relationship and, like I said, nothing bad can come of that. Cheers to therapy, friends!

You may also be interested in Are You Really Ready For Marriage?