INTERPERSONAL ISSUES

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Are problems in your interpersonal relationships causing you to feel alone?

Has interpersonal conflict in your social network begun to negatively impact your quality of life and self-image?
Do you and a family member or friend have ongoing disagreements that feel incredibly frustrating, painful, and insurmountable?
Have you and a romantic partner been experiencing higher levels of conflict due to external stressors or life transitions?

Who would you be without your relationships?

Interpersonal relationships are the foundation of life and love. Connection with others is what brings us joy, keeps us going through hard times, and makes us feel understood. It’s no wonder that when our relationships are in turmoil, we panic.

Interpersonal conflict is a part of being human

Interpersonal conflict is natural and normal, and it is a part of any relationship. It is also part of being human. Some common causes of interpersonal issues include:

miscommunication
differences in needs
conflicting values or beliefs
root incompatibilities
codependence
adjustments to life transitions
trauma from early foundations of these relationships

According to Risser and Saleh (2022), conflict between loved ones, once resolved, can actually lead to deeper levels of connection and understanding for one another.

So, how can you attain more fulfillment in your relationships? Whether you are seeking a safe space to process your emotions on your own or extra support in navigating effective communication with a loved one, seeking mental health therapy from a provider who specializes in relational work could be beneficial and potentially transformative for you.

Why is relational work important?

Interpersonal issues can inflict chaos and distress in your life, especially if these issues persist for long periods of time. When you are in conflict with the closest people in your life, it’s hard not to feel alone and discouraged about these connections. Without effective communication, ongoing relationship issues can lead to isolation and/or resentment towards loved ones.

The first step of working through these disagreements and reaching more balance in your relationships is creating a safe space to process your emotional experiences, gather your thoughts, and fully understand your relationship needs.

What to expect in session

Individual therapy regarding interpersonal issues will be focused on identifying patterns in your relationships, understanding your expectations of others, and exploring your past interpersonal experiences to uncover early relationships that set blueprints throughout the rest of your life. Therapy is your space to determine core behavioral patterns and misalignments within any given relationship, whether platonic, familial, or romantic. The time in sessions will be used to explore relationship dynamics, themes of conflict, communication styles, and the ways in which you experience love and attachment. Our therapeutic approach is geared towards deepening your understanding of self and your relation to others.

Seeking help outside of the relationship can alleviate problems from within

Below are some modalities and approaches that we use at Garden Counseling & Wellness Group to address interpersonal relationship issues.

Psychodynamic therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy explores relationship patterns throughout your childhood and adolescent years leading up to where you are now. We will unpack the ways in which you have been impacted by your family members and any significant relationships you had growing up.
Solution-Focused therapy
- If you are more solution-oriented, this approach encourages you to consider alternative perspectives on your situation and to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to the unhealthy and unproductive patterns within your relationship. For example, questions like the ones listed below might be explored: “What role do you play in the relational dynamic? What can you take accountability for? How can you make changes within the relationship to get the results you want?”
Cognitive Behavioral therapy
- CBT is about identifying core beliefs or thoughts that drive your behaviors. Through CBT, one is also encouraged to learn about and examine the source of these thoughts. By challenging these thoughts, one can develop new, more helpful thoughts. Ultimately, this shift in thought triggers a shift in behavior. This evidence-based approach significantly expedites the process of behavior change, especially within a relationship that involves cyclical and repetitive issues.

Addressing interpersonal issues in therapy can empower you to make changes within yourself and within your relationships, therefore improving your overall quality of life. It will push you to grow in ways that you may not have realized you needed or wanted. It is likely that you will leave therapy feeling more confident about how to approach your relationships, build a social circle that feels healthy for you, and develop skills to directly and effectively communicate your needs and understand your boundaries.

It’s valid to have concerns and questions about relational work

If I tell my therapist about my friendship issues, she will think I’m being dramatic.

At Garden Counseling & Wellness Group, we take a non judgemental and unbiased approach to therapy. We have the capacity to hold space for anything that is weighing on you, and we provide support through listening to understand you and your needs. Our main objective is to see the world through your eyes rather than making judgements or assumptions.

My best friend has so many red flags and I’m aware that our relationship is toxic and unhealthy. I’m scared that if I open up to a therapist about it, they will tell me to end the friendship, which I don’t want.

Working to improve relationships with people you love is important, but realistically, not every relationship in your life is healthy or sustainable. Sometimes, a relationship can be maintained if both individuals are willing to put in the work to create a healthier dynamic. Other times, a relationship can have imbalances in which one or both individuals are not willing to put in the effort to improve the dynamic. Part of relational therapy is discovering what you can and cannot tolerate in relationships, what you want your social circle to look and feel like, and how to navigate challenges within your relationships that are worth maintaining.

Garden Counseling and Wellness Group is here for you

If you are experiencing interpersonal issues that cause ongoing distress and would like support navigating these challenges, you can schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our therapists by clicking on the button below. This phone consultation will give you a chance to learn more about our services and be matched with a provider who can help support you.