Everyone is looking for love. It’s ingrained in us to seek out that special someone who we can share our life, happiness and struggles with. Marriage and other long-term relationships bring great joy as well as profound challenges. How you manage these conflicts together determines whether your relationship will hold firm or collapse under pressure. At Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates in Andover, MA, we offer relationship counseling to married couples and those in long-term, committed relationships. Our couples counseling services in Andover and the surrounding communities can help rebuild the foundation of a healthy relationship so that you can grow, change and communicate.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship
Every couple faces obstacles and conflict. These times of difficulty can make you feel isolated and discouraged. While we are proud to provide couples therapy in Andover at our practice, there are steps you can take today to keep your relationship happy and healthy. As the honeymoon period fades, don’t allow dissatisfaction to blind you to the good that exists within your relationship or marriage. Instead try to develop a few healthy habits, such as:
- Treat your partner as though you’re still dating.
- Remain focused on their positive traits.
- Express gratitude, even for the little things.
- Recognize external pressures that may be causing them stress.
- Don’t bring blame into your conversations.
5 Tips for Handling Conflicts With Your Partner
Living with another person is difficult. Their habits, quirks and personality will always lead to conflict some time or another. How you handle these tests determines whether your relationship will stand firm. If you want your relationship to be successful, allow conflict to be an opportunity for growth and change, and learn how to approach it in a healthy way.
- Always assume your partner is doing the best they can.
- Allow empathy to guide your speech.
- Speak honestly, compassionately and from the heart when something bothers you.
- Seek solutions together rather than demanding change.
- If conflict begins to rule your conversations, find a relationship or marriage counselor who can serve as a mediator and guide.
Take the Next Step for Your Relationship at (978) 482–7351
When Is It Time to See a Relationship Counselor?
Acknowledging that there is a problem and restoring your relationship with relationship and marriage counseling in Andover, is an excellent way to ensure your bond remains healthy and strong through all of life’s changes. Our marriage counselors are here to offer compassionate care and can help address several relational concerns, including: 
- Escalating fights and disagreements.
- Differing goals.
- Financial struggles.
- Problems with intimacy.
- Disagreements about family and children.
- Communication obstacles.
- Mental health concerns.
- Substance abuse.
Find a Couples Therapist in the Andover Area
At Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates, our young and relatable relationship therapists are ready and waiting to help you and your partner should you choose to seem couples therapy. Our Andover therapy practice welcomes all romantic relationships, as a safe space for LGBTQ+ couples. Our space is designed to be somewhere you can be open, honest and find professional guidance that can see your relationship grow, evolve and strengthen. If you’re ready to take your relationship to new heights of communication and intimacy, fill out our online contact form to begin your couples counseling journey or give us a call at (978) 482–7351.
Reviewed By
Dr. David Rainen, PsyD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an extensive background treating a variety of different ages, situations, emotional and mental health disorders in individuals and their families. As part of my 10 year professional and training career in psychology, I have developed and refined my skills and approaches through my work in a variety of diverse settings including: hospitals, community outpatient facilities, college counseling centers, secure and unsecure inpatient/residential treatment programs, and therapeutic day schools.