According to Alicia H. Clark, PsyD, “Long-distance relationships (LDR) are proliferating, with an estimated 14 million couples defining their relationships as such and a staggering 75 percent of engaged couples reporting having been in a long distance relationship at some point.”
Long distance relationships, no matter how strong love is, can pose challenges for the couple. Despite the general doubt of the majority, research in the Journal of Communication stated that long distance relationships do work. However, like any other relationship, there can be some problems and difficulties that challenge the couple.
Communication in long distance relationships usually takes place online. However, in cases where the couple is faced with challenges, communication might be difficult because this online form of communication can be easily ignored and disregarded. It will cause further problems for the couple and substantially weaken the relationship. According to Sarah Schewitz, PsyD, “Maintaining a long-distance relationship requires patience, creativity and a lot of trust.”
One possible solution to these kinds of problems is online counseling. This particular method of therapy is a fast-growing means of seeking help to different cases such as long distance relationships. Through online counseling, the couple can surpass the physical limitations of their relationship and further strengthen their love for one another.
Check these seven reasons why you should try online counseling for your long distance relationship:
- Get Expert Advice
Nothing can help more than seeking advice from experts. Online relationship counselors are equipped with knowledge through extensive research and observations from their clients. The additional benefit of online counseling is that it is accessible in the comforts of your own home, and it can be easy to switch to another counselor, should there be any problems with one.
- A Safe Place To Discuss
Online counseling is a safe place for you and your loved one to discuss issues and figure out ways on how to resolve them. With the presence of an online counselor, you and your partner can figure out one another’s strengths and weaknesses and be able to understand each other more deeply.
- Unbiased Perspective
The presence of an online counselor ensures that there is a third listener who will provide an unprejudiced perspective. Too often, when we consult our friends and loved ones, bias and prejudice cannot be avoided, and it can be particularly frustrating. With online counseling, you and your partner can receive advice from an honest, fresh and neutral point of view.
- Improve Communication
When there is communication breakdown, and you and your loved one hardly communicate anymore, it can cause complications in your relationship. However, always keep in mind that open and honest communication is a key to a healthy relationship. With online counseling, you and your loved one can be more honest to each other and initiate a more open communication between each other.
- Redefine Independence
Because of the absence of a physical connection, people who are in long-distance relationships can develop strong independence from their respective partners. It can lead to a sense of being not needed, and it can further widen the gap between you and your partner. Online counseling can help resolve this issue and make you realize that you complete each other, no matter how long the distance.
- Re-engage The Relationship
Sometimes, you only need a reminder of what made you fall in love with your partner in the first place. It may be forgotten, most especially when you and your loved one are not together on a daily basis. Online counseling will remind you of all the things that attracted you to one another, and this will help re-engage your long distance relationship. Keep in mind that Paul Coleman PsyD says “In successful relationships, partners generally do not an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach.”
- Strengthen The Love
Fundamentally, online counseling will help strengthen the love. In long-distance relationships, couples are not going to be deterred by the miles that separate them from their partners. On the contrary, couples are going to realize that distance is nothing for two hearts who beat for each other.
