Can Relationship Worksheets Really Help?
When you and your partner talk to each other, do you feel like they’re truly listening to you? Do you feel like the two of you are communicating effectively with one another? Does it seem like they respond in the way you want them to (or expect them to) when you converse with them? If you and your partner seem to be on different wavelengths lately, then worksheets may be able to help you. That’s because these healthy relationship worksheets are designed to make sure you understand what each other likes, dislikes, wants, and needs, which is what keeps your relationship going.
What are worksheets about relationships?
The purpose of relationship worksheets is to help you and your partner connect and communicate in a healthy, productive way. They may teach good relationship skills, offer tools for problem-solving, or help you strengthen positive parts of your relationship.
Relationship worksheets often make you dig deep because if you and your partner aren’t completely open with one another, it’s hard to make a relationship work. Looking at different worksheets before you decide on one could be a good start, but you’ll want to be open to more intense questions and exercises as you progress.
You want the couples therapy worksheets that will help both of you to heal whatever problems you might have, which means defining problems as you both interpret them. You may have to do some soul-searching to figure out those problems, and then, once you have them, you can start looking for the worksheets that you’re going to use to help with them.
Finding worksheets for relationships
Typically, the best place to begin is by performing a web search that describes your concern and what you are looking for. For example, searching “relationship worksheets for communication” or “couples worksheets for problem-solving” will likely produce helpful results. You can also search through general relationships worksheets offered through various websites that will help you learn about the traits of healthy relationships. Of course, you’ll have to sort through some that don’t apply to your situation or that you’re not sure you want to jump immediately.
If you’re not finding worksheets that suit your needs, or if you don’t think the worksheets you have found are effective, you may want to consider addressing your concerns with a therapist. You can attend therapy as an individual to learn more about yourself and your contribution to the relationship, but you may want to approach your partner about attending couples counseling.
Couples counseling uses evidence-based techniques to help you and your partner improve communication, problem-solve, build intimacy, and bolster positivity. Many of the worksheets you have seen are based on couples therapy principles, but couples therapy under the guidance of an experienced therapist is often much more effective. Evidence suggests that over 70% of couples who attend couples therapy experience a substantial increase in relationship satisfaction.
Finding your therapist
As with finding worksheets, you might want to start by doing a quick web search for couples therapists in your area. You may also want to consider online therapy, which can sometimes be a more convenient option than in-person therapy. Visiting with a therapist online allows you to skip the hassle of traveling to a physical office. In addition, when couples therapy is conducted online, you and your partner don’t need to be in the same physical space, which may make scheduling easier and more convenient. Online therapy also often offers access to more therapists than may be available locally and can be considerably cheaper than in-person therapy.
While some may have concerns about whether online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, evidence suggests that, in most cases, both approaches are equally effective. Research further suggests that couples therapy is particularly well-suited for online therapy, demonstrating high effectiveness rates compared to traditional in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Relationship worksheets can be a valuable tool for any couple. Worksheets allow partners to solve problems, enhance their communication, develop relationship skills, and bolster positive aspects of the relationship. Finding worksheets usually begins by first identifying the problem you are trying to address, then performing a web search to see if there are worksheets available that align with your present concern. If you can’t find good worksheet options, or you don’t think that the worksheets you have tried are working, you may wish to consider working with a couples therapist to address your concerns.
What is the best therapy for couples?
Most therapists employ various strategies when working with couples, and different types of therapy can be helpful. It all depends on the couple’s needs and what they need to work on together. One common type of therapy used with couples is called Emotionally focused therapy, or EFT. This type of therapy focuses on understanding your emotional responses to your partner, as well as what drives these responses. EFT can often integrate couples therapy worksheets focusing on the deeper meaning of emotions in the relationship. An activity worksheet can be a fun and helpful way to complete an activity together while learning helpful communication strategies.
Another type of couples therapy is the Gottman Method, which is rooted in science and mathematics. The Gottman Method requires couples to fill out an extensive exploration worksheet or assessment before focusing on specific interventions and activities to improve the relationship. Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is also commonly used for couples. SFT focuses on one specific problem that is going on in the relationship, and it may use a conflict resolution worksheet to work through various issues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is commonly used for both individuals and couples. CBT focuses on thoughts and how they influence behaviors. Relationship worksheets for couples are often used to analyze thoughts, the feelings they result in, and the actions that follow. Some examples of these couples therapy worksheets include a fighting rules worksheet, a boundaries exploration worksheet, and a qualities worksheet to really dig into what partners appreciate about each other.
Other common therapy types include discernment counseling, relational life therapy, narrative therapy, and Imago relationship therapy. These therapy types are likely to include helpful therapy worksheets such as communication worksheets to help couples work through their problems together in a constructive manner.
Is it worth going to couples counseling?
According to the American Psychological Association, couples therapy using emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has a success rate of about 75%, and these results are seen across cultural groups. The other 25% of couples are often in an abusive relationship or are already in the process of separating. In an abusive relationship, couples therapy and couples worksheets aren’t recommended until they have gone through therapy separately. Instead, a counselor may provide an individual activity worksheet for each partner to complete on their own before coming together to work on a fair fighting rules worksheet.
It is also important to note that it takes effort for couples counseling to be effective and “worth it.” Just going to the therapist’s office in itself will not save a relationship. Couples will need to commit to putting in the time and effort needed to change patterns, set boundaries, and work on relationship conflict resolution together.
How do you fix bad communication in a relationship?
A common first step in fixing bad communication in a relationship is identifying poor communication patterns. Communication worksheets can be especially helpful in this area. Then, in times of conflict, be sure to take time to process your emotions before responding to your partner. Also, be cognizant of timing; the best time to suggest filling out a conflict resolution worksheet together is not in the middle of a heated fight.
Other tips for fixing bad communication are using “I” statements, focusing on actively listening to your partner, and making an effort to check in with your partner throughout the day. These relationship-building techniques are a wonderful way to begin replacing negative patterns with positive ones. Empathy is also a key part of successful communication. Empathizing with your partner’s emotions can make it much easier to work through conflict. Working together with your partner to complete a fair fighting rules worksheet can also be extremely helpful.
What questions are asked in couples therapy?
Oftentimes, a therapist acts as a facilitator for couples to have a conversation and work on relationship-building techniques. In many cases, couples therapists will ask the couples to bring in their own questions to talk about. Some of the most common questions deal with the relationship’s problems, whether the couple wants to stay together, and what each partner loves about the other. This is also where couples therapy worksheets come into play. Relationship worksheets for couples help provide a safe space for each partner to write down their true feelings.
Therapy worksheets, such as an exploration worksheet, allow couples to delve deeper into their relationship’s inner workings. Meanwhile, a boundaries exploration worksheet asks more specific questions regarding various boundaries.
Therapists will also likely ask about your overall happiness and how your joy level affects your relationship. Overall, be prepared to communicate with your partner and commit to completing couples therapy worksheets between sessions.
Can couples therapy make things worse?
For over 70% of couples, counseling is helpful and can save the relationship, but addressing sensitive issues always comes with risks. Partners may struggle to contain what was discussed in therapy to therapy sessions themselves, potentially increasing conflict.
Problems can also arise with an inexperienced therapist or a therapist who isn’t trained specifically in couples therapy and couples worksheets. Couples therapy requires a specific set of skills to be successful, so it’s wise to look for potential therapists’ reviews before booking an appointment.
What to talk about in couples counseling?
It is typically best to come to couples counseling prepared to talk about the concerns you have already identified. You should also be prepared to discuss what solutions you have already tried and explored. Honesty is a significant part of couples therapy, and there are almost no topics that are off-limits. However, it will likely be helpful to come to therapy prepared to be civil and polite towards your partner, even when discussing difficult issues.
What are good relationship check-in questions?
Here are some common relationship check-in questions that may give you more insight into your relationship and partner:
- What do I do for/in the relationship that you like?
- Are we happy with the way roles in the relationship are divided?
- Do we feel securely attached? Or, are we each other’s safe space?
- Are we satisfied with our emotional, physical, and intellectual intimacy?
- Is there anything you’d like me to change?
- What is something I can do this week to make you feel supported and loved?
What is important in a relationship?
There are many things important in a relationship, but one of the most crucial is likely developing the skills for healthy, empathetic communication. Good communication makes both partners feel valued, build strong problem-solving skills, and easily demonstrate gratitude and positivity. In contrast, poor communication, characterized by contempt, defensiveness, and disrespect, can substantially harm a romantic relationship.
What makes relationships last?
A lasting relationship is often built on foundations of respect, kindness, intimacy, and friendship. One of the most foundational aspects of a healthy relationship is empathetic and kind communication. Good communication skills allow couples to problem-solve and strengthen their foundations by adding new relationship skills. Many experts point to friendship and intimacy as additional crucial aspects of a healthy relationship.
Generally, friendship means that a couple spends time doing non-romantic tasks they enjoy. Intimacy is often thought to refer only to physical intimacy, such as hugs, kisses, and sex. However, there are also emotional and intellectual forms of intimacy that bring couples closer together. Emotional intimacy typically refers to activities that build trust, such as sharing secrets. Intellectual intimacy is often bolstered through shared hobbies and learning experiences.
How do you improve your relationship?
One of the best ways to improve your relationship is to invest in couples counseling. Evidence suggests that nearly 80% of couples reported increased relationship satisfaction after attending therapy. The evidence further suggests that couples therapy is most effective when couples attend early before problems become overwhelming, although therapy can be effective at almost any stage.
How do you build a strong relationship?
Building a strong relationship often relies on developing a foundation of respect, kindness, and empathy. One of the most foundational components of a strong relationship is often communication. Kind, empathetic communication allows for optimal problem-solving and conflict resolution. It also typically makes it easier to celebrate the happy parts of the relationship and bolster positivity.
- Previous Article
- Next Article