Marriage Therapists

Understanding Common Marriage Issues

Every marriage has its ups and downs, but when conflicts persist or escalate, it can strain the relationship. Common issues that bring couples to therapy include communication breakdowns, financial stress, intimacy concerns, and disagreements about parenting or household responsibilities. External stressors such as work, extended family, and health problems can create tension between partners.

Many couples struggle to resolve conflicts independently because of differences in communication styles or unresolved emotional wounds. Marriage therapy provides a neutral, supportive space where both partners can express their feelings, gain clarity, and work toward resolution.

Recognizing the Signs That Marriage Therapy Could Help

It’s important to recognize when your relationship may benefit from marriage therapy. Signs that therapy could be helpful include:

• Frequent arguments or escalating conflicts that never get resolved
• Feeling disconnected or emotionally distant from your partner
• Difficulty communicating or avoiding important conversations
• Loss of intimacy or affection
• Trust issues, including infidelity or dishonesty
• Feeling unsupported or misunderstood by your partner
• Recurring disagreements about finances, parenting, or other life decisions
• Increased stress or anxiety about the relationship’s future

If you or your partner are experiencing any of these challenges, marriage therapy can provide strategies to rebuild trust, improve communication, and restore emotional closeness.

Therapies Used in Marriage Counseling

At Kona Counseling, we use evidence-based therapies to help couples address their concerns and strengthen their relationship. These therapeutic approaches are tailored to each couple’s unique needs, providing tools to foster understanding, resolve conflict, and enhance emotional connection.

1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT focuses on helping couples understand and express their emotional needs. This therapy is highly effective in creating secure emotional bonds between partners. Research shows that EFT helps 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery by improving emotional connection and reducing conflict.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps couples identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to conflict. By changing these patterns, couples can improve communication, resolve disagreements more effectively, and create a more positive dynamic in their relationship.
3. Gottman Method: This therapy focuses on improving communication, enhancing intimacy, and building emotional intelligence within the relationship. Developed from decades of research, the Gottman Method teaches couples practical strategies for managing conflict and deepening emotional connection.
4. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT is a goal-oriented therapy that helps couples focus on specific issues and find immediate solutions. It encourages couples to build on their strengths and create actionable steps toward improving their relationship.

Support for Your Marriage

If your relationship is facing challenges, Kona Counseling is here to help. Our experienced therapists specialize in marriage therapy, offering evidence-based treatments to support couples in overcoming conflicts, improving communication, and building stronger connections. Contact us today to learn more about our marriage therapy services and how we can help you and your partner achieve a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.