Challenges frequently encountered by married couples:

Marital Problems and the Efficacy of Couples Therapy

Last updated on March 17, 2025

marriage encounter difficulties for the majority of couples at some point, and it is essential to remember that such struggles are not uncommon. Despite the challenges, the strength and resilience of a partnership can often help couples navigate even the most demanding obstacles. By understanding the types of issues many married couples face and learning effective ways to mend their relationships, couples can fortify their emotional bonds and build a harmonious future together.

Normalcy in Marital Strife

The complexity of relationships between two individuals means that various problems will inevitably arise throughout a marriage. While the gravity of issues may vary from couple to couple, it is nearly universal that all unions will experience challenging times. By recognizing this commonality, couples can approach their struggles with a sense of understanding and mutual determination.

"Marital problems are quite routine, primarily due to the union of distinct individuals with varying perspectives and life experiences," explains relationship expert Karen Reid. "The key to overcoming these problems lies in developing effective methods to address them."

Let us examine 12 of the most prevalent relationship problems and explore strategies for resolving them before they cause lasting damage.

Twelve Common Marital Problems

Relationship difficulties typically stem from poor communication, lack of intimacy, financial strain, and growing apart as life's twists and turns take their toll. By acknowledging the existence of these issues and being willing to make necessary changes, couples can resolve almost any source of tension.

Access to Professional Guidance

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Lack of Communication

Effective communication is paramount in any relationship, and poor communication is a common marital issue. Many couples push their problems aside rather than addressing them head-on, leading to resentments that can fester when new challenges arise later in life. Establishing open lines of communication early on and maintaining this practice during tough times can significantly improve the health and longevity of a marriage.

"Communication problems," explains Reid, "often manifest as strained listening skills, difficulty assuming responsibility, and a lack of proper time and space for healthy conversations."

Tip: To rectify this issue, make a conscious effort to cultivate active listening skills and encourage your partner to share their thoughts and feelings genuinely. Communication is a skill that can be developed and nurtured over time, and this practice will benefit any relationship.

Intimacy Problems

Physical and emotional intimacy are crucial in maintaining a loving marriage. Many couples experience a decline in their intimacy due to various factors such as emotional issues, medical problems, or simply becoming mired in routine. By prioritizing intimacy, partners can reconnect on an emotional and physical level, strengthening the foundation of their relationship.

"Sex problems may arise when couples hold different views on the level of sexual intensity and frequency," Reid notes. Communicating openly about each partner's individual needs, desires, and concerns can help foster a stronger emotional and physical connection.

Tip: Addressing these concerns requires vulnerability and honesty. It may feel awkward, but by sharing your thoughts and feelings, you are taking a crucial step towards healing and strengthening your marriage.

Divergent Life Stages

Being at different stages of life can put a considerable strain on a marriage. This tension may arise as a result of an age difference, time spent apart, or simply growing apart in terms of shared interests and goals. By making your relationship a priority and nurturing your emotional bond, couples can bridge the gap caused by life's divergences.

Tip: Regular date nights, shared hobbies, and actively participating in each other's lives can help maintain a strong emotional connection amidst life's changes.

Infidelity

Infidelity is a destructive force in any marriage, as it erodes trust, the bedrock upon which a relationship is built. While it may seem that many couples cannot overcome infidelity, it is still possible with effort, understanding, and a sincere willingness to work towards rebuilding trust.

Tip: Emotional distance is a breeding ground for infidelity, so communicate openly about any feelings of disconnection with your partner. If you find yourself contemplating infidelity or have already crossed that line, honesty and understanding are key components in the healing process.

Jealousy

Jealousy can be a significant source of tension in a relationship, especially when it becomes excessive. Jealous individuals often engage in controlling, angry, or overbearing behavior, which can lead to further emotional distress. Jealousy can be a symptom of childhood attachment issues, so seeking professional guidance may be necessary in such cases.

Tip: If your partner demonstrates excessive jealousy, it is essential to address the issue promptly and frankly. Professional help may be necessary to uncover the root cause of the jealousy and develop strategies for managing it effectively.

Boredom

Boredom can creep into a marriage, causing the relationship to feel monotonous and unfulfilling. Introducing a sense of spontaneity and excitement into your marriage can help reinvigorate your emotional connection and rekindle intimacy.

Tip: Open communication is key in navigating boredom. Share your frustrations with your partner and work together to find enjoyable, creative ways to breathe new life into your relationship. Invite new experiences, learn new skills, and create shared memories to strengthen your bond.

Boundary Violations

Couples must allow each other the space and freedom to express their individuality without judgment. Overstepping boundaries can erode trust, which is the foundation of a healthy relationship. Mutual respect and clear communication help to maintain this essential balance.

Tip: If you feel as though you are losing yourself in the relationship, assert your need for personal space and freedom. Clearly communicate your boundaries to your partner and work together to establish a harmonious balance between individuality and togetherness.

Stress

Adult life can be stressful, and relationship stressors, such as work-related responsibilities, parenting, and financial worries, can take a toll on a marriage. Learning to manage stress in healthy, productive ways can help you navigate these challenges more effectively.

Tip: Stress management techniques can benefit all aspects of your life, not just your relationship. Set aside time for activities that help you decompress, such as journaling, exercise, or a hobby you enjoy. Keeping your stress levels under control will not only improve your marriage but also your overall well-being.

Unequal Responsibilities

Disparities in household responsibilities can contribute to resentment and frustration in a marriage. By sharing responsibilities fairly and showing appreciation for each other's contributions, couples can eliminate tension and cultivate a sense of teamwork.

Tip: Have an open conversation about household expectations and needs. Create a chore chart or divide responsibilities equitably based on each partner's work schedule and capacity. Regularly review the division of labor to ensure fairness and address any concerns promptly.

Disagreements in Values

Major differences in religious, political, and ethical beliefs can cause significant strain in a marriage. Effective communication and understanding are essential in navigating these disagreements and maintaining the health of the relationship.

Tip: Open, respectful dialogue is instrumental in bridging significant differences in values. It may be helpful to seek guidance from a neutral third party, such as a therapist, to facilitate constructive conversations and find common ground.

Parenting Disagreements

Parenting differences can lead to discord in a marriage, especially when it comes to disciplinary strategies, educational approaches, and daily routines. By compromising, communicating, and working together as a team, couples can develop a cohesive parenting strategy that ensures their children's well-being while preserving their emotional connection.

Tip: Open and honest conversation is necessary for resolving parenting differences. Identify shared values and work together to create a unified parenting approach that emphasizes consistency, patience, and mutual understanding. If significant differences persist, seeking guidance from a family therapist can prove beneficial.

Financial Struggles

Financial stress can strain even the strongest of marriages, as partners may have different ideas about spending, saving, and investing. Regular, open conversations about financial goals and strategies can help couples find a harmonious balance and set a strong foundation for their future together.

Tip: Consider scheduling monthly financial discussions with your partner to review your spending habits, future goals, and adjust your strategies accordingly. Regular communication and a shared understanding of your finances will help strengthen your partnership and ensure that you are moving towards a prosperous, goal-oriented future.

Trauma and Grief

Traumatic events and instances of loss can have lasting effects on a marriage, putting even strong bonds to the test. It is essential to remember that grief affects everyone differently, and compassion and understanding are crucial during difficult times.

Tip: Be patient with each other and provide emotional support during challenging circumstances. If necessary, seek outside help, such as grief counseling, to help you and your partner navigate the complexities of trauma and loss.

Addictions

Addictions, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other harmful behaviors, can severely impact a marriage. By acknowledging the presence of addiction, seeking help, and working together to overcome it, couples can rebuild their emotional connection and reclaim the foundation of their partnership.

Tip: Honesty, patience, and determination are vital in overcoming addiction. Encourage your partner to seek help from a therapist, support group, or rehabilitation program. Remember that addiction recovery is a long and arduous process that requires perseverance, and couples therapy can be an invaluable tool in rebuilding trust and moving past the hardships caused by addiction.

Social media and technology have made staying connected with friends and acquaintances easier than ever, but these platforms can also introduce new challenges in relationships. Engaging in behaviors such as private messaging past acquaintances, comparing your relationship to online portrayals, or becoming overly invested in screens during important moments can lead to emotional disconnection.

Tip: Set guidelines with your partner that prioritize the quality of interactions over the quantity. Avoid engaging with past acquaintances, limit screen time during important moments together, and actively communicate your expectations and boundaries to foster a deeper emotional connection.

Screen Time Overuse

Excessive screen time can create emotional distance in relationships by distracting partners from each other and causing feelings of neglect. By setting boundaries around technology use, couples can ensure that they are valuing each other's time, attention, and emotional needs.

Tip: Establishing "tech-free zones" and designated screen-free hours can help reinforce the importance of face-to-face communication and prioritize emotional connection. By adhering to these guidelines, couples can cultivate a stronger sense of presence, empathy, and intimacy in their relationship.

Professional Marriage Counseling

Though many couples are able to navigate their marital challenges on their own, professional guidance can be invaluable in strengthening relationships and resolving deep-rooted issues. Online therapy platforms like the one provided by our website offer accessible, convenient therapy sessions with experienced mental health professionals. Here, couples can learn effective communication strategies, explore the roots of their challenges, and develop the tools necessary for rebuilding trust, rekindling intimacy, and cultivating a deeper emotional bond.

If you and your spouse are facing marital difficulties, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and with the right guidance, you can strengthen your emotional connection and navigate even the most challenging obstacles.

Sources

[1] Lebow, J., Chambers, A., Christensen, A., Johnson, S. (2011). Research on the Treatment of Couple Distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145-168. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x

[2] Blanchard, V., Hawkins, A., Baldwin, S., Fawcett, E. (2009). Investigating the Effects of Marriage and Relationship Education on Couples' Communication Skills: A Meta-Analytic Study. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(2), 203-214. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19364214/

[3] Zeanah, C., Gleason, M. (2014). Annual Research Review: Attachment Disorders in Early Childhood - Clinical Presentation, Causes, Correlates, and Treatment. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(3), 207-222. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25359236/

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In the pursuit of strengthening their relationships, couples can take advantage of online therapy sessions with seasoned, licensed marriage counselors.
Karen Reid, a relationship expert, emphasizes the importance of effective communication in resolving marital problems, often caused by strained listening skills, difficulty assuming responsibility, and an absence of proper time and space for healthy conversations.
To address intimacy problems, partners can prioritize emotional and physical intimacy, sharing their individual needs, desires, and concerns openly, and reconecting through shared experiences and activities.