What it is:
On this page, we will refer to those in romantic relationships as “partners” or “couples” for ease of language. However, TAP clinicians are experienced with and open to working with individuals in all types of connections (i.e., ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, open relationships).
Romantic relationship issues can take many forms and are often characterized by distress, high conflict, and/or disengagement from the relationship. Dysfunctional relationship patterns can originate from a series of minor stressors or communication difficulties, or they can develop as the result of significant stressful events that occur inside (e.g., infidelity) or outside (e.g., loss of employment) of the relationship.
Regardless of how it begins, stressors or strain within relationships can persist or worsen if not addressed directly. Adults experiencing distress within their marriages or relationships often report that their relationship has fewer positive experiences, more negative experiences, less effective communication, lower emotional and physical intimacy, and lower relationship satisfaction.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- My partner and I are frequently fighting, arguing, yelling, or insulting each other.
- My positive feelings toward my partner are decreasing, and my negative feelings (irritation, annoyance, disgust, frustration) are increasing.
- I can’t bring up difficult topics with my romantic partner without it turning into an issue or a fight.
- I wonder if my relationship is toxic.
- I feel like my partner and I can’t seem to talk to or hear each other.
- I notice a lot of unresolved conflict, holding grudges, or resentment building up in my relationship.
- My emotional needs are not being met, and I don’t know how to change that or ask for what I need.
- I feel mentally burdened or like the cognitive load of my shared life with my partner is not evenly split.
- Infidelity has happened in my relationship and we are struggling to move past it.
- It’s hard to be intimate (emotionally, sexually, physically) with my partner and we are struggling to discuss or problem-solve this issue.
- Something major, stressful, or impactful has occurred in my life or environment and my partner and I need to shift our perspectives or skillsets to meet these new challenges.
- I feel disconnected from my partner and lonely within my relationship.
Associated Concerns:
Relationship distress can contribute to or exacerbate difficulties on the individual level including anxiety, depression, mood concerns, anger, substance use disorders, or trauma/PTSD. Relationship distress may also contribute to problems in social interactions with people outside the relationship (e.g., children, co-workers).
Those who struggle with tolerating shame or responding effectively to shame may experience increased conflict, dysregulation, and distress in their relationships as a result.
Specialty Services at TAP:
Below are a list of empirically supported assessments or therapies that one or more of our specialists could provide. Click on an intervention to learn more!