The short answer to this is yes, if one partner mentions it. Even if going to counseling comes up in the middle of a fight, even if you make up and everything seems okay afterwards, you probably need counseling. You know how they say that high blood pressure is a “silent killer”? Well, unresolved conflict works this same way in a relationship…and you can think it’s resolved when it really isn’t.
Repeated arguments over the same issues indicate that you aren’t settling or resolving anything. Even if things get better and you still sometimes have great times, even if the sex is still good–things still might be simmering. Every relationship or marriage on the rocks has been in trouble for a while and the couple just hoped things were getting better or had gotten better. Over and over again, we counselors sit across from one partner in a relationship who is shocked that the other partner wants to–or plans–to leave.
Unresolved issues lead to emotional–and sometimes sexual–disconnection. This lack of resolution always exists when one partner steps outside the committed relationship and cheats.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find out now how to listen to your partner’s issues. Partners often say they’re listening when the one they’re with reports never feeling heard. This is a lousy feeling and doesn’t make your partner want to cuddle up next to you.
Talk to a professional trained in therapy, not a legal professional.