Create Emotional Safety Through Fixing Marriage Problems

If you create emotional safety in your marriage it is one of the best things you can do to make your it last. Let’s talk about what emotional safety is and why it matters.

You can create emotional safety with your spouse if you approach it right. There is a myth that if you have marriage problems, you can’t be close as a couple. This is false. It is incorrect. Even though it may be more difficult to get closer, it is possible. In fact, working through your problems together has the potential to help you get closer. So then because of your marriage problems you have a lot of material to work with. It gives you chances to become more cohesive and intimate with your spouse. Let’s talk about how. 

Grow Closer As A Couple

First, know that you can become closer s a couple because of your struggles, not in spite of them. Knowing this and understanding it will help you accept the fact that both of you are imperfect. It will allow you to not put so much pressure on yourself or each other to get over it. Whatever ‘it’ is. Neither of you are perfect and that’s ok. Your marriage problems will not be something that ends you, but brings you together. 

You don’t have to get rid of your problems so that then you can be close as a couple. The process of working against the problem together will help you get close. 

Understand What An Argument Does And Doesn’t Do To your Marriage

Second, know that the presence of arguments and disagreements isn’t what is going to cause you to divorce, says John Gottman’s research. But rather, how you argue will hurt you. If you are engaged in these four types of marriage problems, for example, your marriage could be in trouble. Defensiveness, criticism, contempt and stonewalling. There are ways to fix these problems if you see them. 

Our counseling centers offer expert, professional therapy for couples looking to create emotional safety. You can do this as you try to fix your marriage problems. 

Work to build emotional safety with your spouse, schedule a couples therapy appointment in South Jordan, Orem, Spanish Fork or American Fork. 

Written by Triston Morgan, PhD, Utah Marriage and Family Therapist