Couples Therapy for Empty Nesters

Pursuing couples therapy as an empty nester can be an uncomfortable experience. You and your spouse might wonder why things are so challenging! After all, the kids have left the house, and now you have more time together. Shouldn’t things be easier now? Why do they seem so much harder?

Today, you will read about why the empty nest phase can be such a challenge for empty nesters. Then, you will learn how couples therapy can help you adjust to your new phase of life together.

Adjusting to the Empty Nest

The kids are out of the house, and now you and your spouse are left on your own. What an exciting time! You might have pictured this phase with a lot of anticipation, looking forward to the newfound freedom and flexibility you and your spouse have found as empty nesters. And the empty nest can be a great phase for the two of you as a couple. But what do you do when it’s not?

Challenges of the Empty Nest

You may be surprised to find that this phase is very challenging for both of you. Maybe you are arguing more than usual. You might feel disconnected and like you aren’t on the same page. Or you may even feel like you don’t know each other anymore. And these challenges might seem odd or confusing. After all, why wouldn’t more time together be a good thing? (Related Article: Signs You May Need Couples Counseling)

If you can relate to these feelings and challenges, you are not alone. The adjustment period after your children leave the home can be a challenge that presents new problems that can leave you and your spouse feeling overwhelmed and confused as you try to adapt and reconnect. (Related Article: Building Trust in Marriage Counseling)

Finding Hope in the Empty Nest

Thankfully, your new phase of life as an empty nester doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your marriage. (Related Article: It’s Okay To Need Your Partner). This phase is an opportunity for you and your spouse to come together as a couple in the empty nest phase. In fact, studies show that empty nester couples report some of the highest rates of marital satisfaction compared to couples in other demographics. (Source)

As you work together to create new goals, plans, and dreams together in this new phase of life, you can feel more connected than ever before. 

Couples Therapy for Empty Nesters

That’s where couples therapy can help. In therapy, you can learn how to work as a team and become reacquainted with each other in your empty nest. Ready to start marriage counseling? Start couples therapy in Orem, South Jordan, or Spanish Fork, or via Telehealth for anyone in Utah.

Written by Lauren Adkins