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The Stages of Marital Concerns

The Stages of Marital Concerns
The Stages of Marital Concerns

Marriage can be an incredible journey, full of love, joy and companionship. However, it can also be incredibly challenging and stressful. Many couples experience hardships and difficulties at some point in their relationship. It’s a natural part of any long-term partnership. While some challenges can be solved with proper communication and compromise others require more work. This is where marital therapy comes in. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various stages of marital concerns and what you can do to work through them.

Stage 1: Disillusionment

The first stage of marital concerns typically begins when the honeymoon phase fades away. This stage is often characterized by disillusionment and disappointment. You may start to notice things about your partner that you didn’t see before and you may feel a sense of loss or sadness. During this stage, it’s important to communicate your feelings with your partner and work on building a stronger connection. Marriage counseling can help you navigate this stage and strengthen your relationship.

Stage 2: Distress

The second stage of marital concerns is distress. This can happen when communication breaks down, and conflicts become more frequent and intense. You may start to feel angry, frustrated and disconnected from your partner. During this stage it’s crucial to address the root causes of the marriage conflicts and work on finding solutions together. Marriage therapy can help identify the underlying issues and provide tools to resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive way.

Stage 3: Reorientation

The third stage of marital concerns is reorientation. This stage often happens after a significant change, such as having children or moving to a new city. You may feel disoriented and unsure of your place in the relationship. During this stage, it’s essential to communicate your needs and desires with your partner. Marriage counseling can help you and your partner align your priorities and visions for the future. There is even online counselling for marital concerns.

Stage 4: Indifference

The final stage of marital concerns is indifference. This can happen when the partners feel disconnected and apathetic towards each other. It’s essential to address this stage as soon as possible, as it can be difficult to repair the relationship when both partners feel indifferent. Marriage therapy can help you reconnect with your partner and reignite the spark.

Marriage is a complex and ever-changing journey. No matter what stage of marital concerns you’re in, it’s essential to remember that there is always hope. Marriage counseling can provide you with the tools and support to navigate these challenges and strengthen your bond with your partner. Whether you’re experiencing disillusionment, distress, reorientation, or indifference, know that you’re not alone. With the help of a trained therapist, you can work through these stages and come out stronger on the other side.

If you’re looking for practical strategies, check out our Marital Concerns Hub.

About the Author

Maycee Dias, BSc (Hons), MSW, RSW is a registered social worker at CARESPACE Victoria North. She helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for Kitchener counselling, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.