What Are the Most Common Relationship Struggles Couples Face, and How Can Couples Therapy Help?

Every couple experiences challenges. While love and commitment lay the foundation of a relationship, daily stressors, communication differences, and life transitions can cause tension. Left unresolved, these issues may lead to resentment, distance, or recurring conflicts.

The good news? Couples therapy offers a proven way for partners to work through struggles, rebuild trust, and strengthen their bond. At Alder Grove Counseling, with offices in Naperville and Downers Grove, we support couples in navigating challenges and creating healthier, more connected relationships.

Why Do Couples Struggle?

No relationship is perfect. Even strong, long-term partnerships face obstacles that test connection and commitment. Often, couples struggle not because of a lack of love, but because of:

• Stress from work, finances, or family life.

• Differences in communication or conflict styles.

• Unhealed wounds from past experiences.

• Lack of tools to address issues effectively.

Understanding common relationship challenges is the first step toward healing.

The Most Common Relationship Struggles Couples Face

1. Communication Breakdowns

Poor communication is one of the most frequent reasons couples seek counseling. This can look like:

• Frequent arguments that never resolve.

• Avoiding difficult conversations.

• Feeling unheard, dismissed, or misunderstood.

When communication falters, couples often feel like they’re speaking different languages, which can erode intimacy and trust.

2. Trust Issues

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. It can be damaged by infidelity, secrecy, broken promises, or even lingering insecurities. Without trust, couples often struggle with jealousy, constant questioning, or emotional distance.

3. Different Parenting Styles

Parenting is deeply personal, and partners may not always agree on discipline, routines, or values. These differences can create conflict, especially if one parent feels unsupported or undermined.

4. Financial Stress

Money conflicts are one of the top causes of stress in relationships. Common financial struggles include:

• Different spending vs. saving habits.

• Unequal financial contributions.

• Debt or financial instability.

These issues can lead to feelings of resentment or imbalance.

5. Intimacy Concerns

Over time, emotional or physical intimacy may fade. Stress, busy schedules, or unresolved conflicts can cause one or both partners to feel disconnected. Intimacy struggles often leave couples feeling more like roommates than partners.

6. Major Life Transitions

Significant changes—such as moving, career shifts, illness, or caring for aging parents—can place stress on a couple. Without support, these transitions may create distance instead of closeness.

How Couples Therapy Can Help

Couples therapy is not about deciding who is “right” or “wrong.” Instead, it’s about creating a safe space where both partners can express themselves, gain insight, and learn healthier ways to relate.

Here’s how therapy can support couples:

Improve Communication

Therapists guide couples in expressing themselves clearly while also listening with empathy. Many couples leave therapy with practical tools—such as active listening skills and conflict de-escalation strategies.

Rebuild Trust

Through open dialogue and guided exercises, couples therapy helps partners rebuild trust after betrayals or disappointments. Therapists can help couples establish new boundaries and create accountability.

Strengthen Emotional Connection

Therapy focuses on helping couples understand each other’s needs and love languages, which deepens intimacy and fosters connection.

Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

Instead of repeating the same arguments, couples learn how to address issues constructively and move toward resolution.

Clarify Shared Goals

Couples therapy helps partners align their long-term values—whether about family, finances, or lifestyle—and create a roadmap for moving forward together.

What to Expect in Couples Therapy

If you’ve never been to therapy with your partner, you may wonder what happens in a session. At Alder Grove Counseling, couples can expect:

• A collaborative environment: Both partners are encouraged to share openly.

• Evidence-based approaches: Therapists use methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for relationships.

• Practical strategies: Couples leave sessions with real-world tools they can apply at home.

• Confidential support: Therapy provides a private space where both partners feel safe to be honest.

Sessions may involve exploring past experiences, practicing communication skills, or setting relationship goals.

When Should You Consider Couples Therapy?

Many couples wait until their relationship feels like it’s in crisis to seek help. But therapy can also be preventative. You may benefit from couples therapy if:

• You have recurring arguments that never seem to resolve.

• Trust has been damaged and feels hard to rebuild.

• You feel more like roommates than partners.

• Parenting, finances, or intimacy are sources of ongoing conflict.

• You’re experiencing a major life change that’s straining your relationship.

Therapy isn’t just for couples on the brink of separation—it’s also for partners who want to deepen their bond and grow together.

Couples Therapy in Naperville and Downers Grove

At Alder Grove Counseling, our team of experienced therapists is here to support couples in every stage of their relationship. Whether you’re newly partnered, raising a family, or navigating life transitions, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

We proudly serve couples in Naperville, Downers Grove, and the surrounding communities. Our offices are designed to be welcoming, safe spaces where you and your partner can focus on healing and growth.

Take the Next Step

If you and your partner are ready to strengthen your connection, explore couples therapy at Alder Grove Counseling in Naperville and Downers Grove. Our compassionate team is here to support you both as you work toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Call us today at (630) 206-0272 or book online to get started.