Orna Guralnik, host of 'Couples Therapy,' believes that therapy isn't always necessary.
"Everybody should go to therapy," is what newly therapized couples will tell you.
Orna Guralnik disagrees with the notion that all partnerships require professional guidance, stating that many can function without it until they need it.
"If you're not facing any difficulties and you feel that communication is effortless, you don't require a therapist, she believes. However, if you're stuck in a situation, you should leave."
Guralnik's show provides counseling for couples, but the communication is not always straightforward. Each episode features her trying to help clients break free from unhealthy patterns. Despite the personal nature of each conflict, they also reveal broader truths about how factors like class, gender, and money impact relationships.
Guralnik discussed her current observations in sessions, strategies for enhancing communication, and any remaining surprises with CNBC Make It.
What world events are couples discussing in your sessions with clients, as described in your New York Times piece about social and political movements?
The Israel-Palestine issue is a significant problem for couples and extends beyond the two countries, as it involves larger questions about colonialism, nation-states, and history. Where does history begin?
The pandemic brought the topic of class to the forefront of couples' thoughts.
The pandemic has brought to light how privilege affects various aspects of life beyond just financial stability.
What does it mean if one partner comes from a family that took certain things for granted versus not? How does that play out between the two of you?
Is the conversation about class currently more significant than it has been historically?
Class is a topic that frequently appears in discussions, but its significance can fluctuate. It may fade into the background at times, becoming more suppressed, while at other times it becomes more prominent.
The combination of capitalism and a specific type of neoliberalism that we have all been exposed to, along with a consumer mindset, has for a while obscured the issue of class. However, I believe that this question has resurfaced in a more complex and intriguing way in people's minds.
The pandemic likely played a significant role in the increase in deaths.
Is it still accurate to say that men struggle more with earning less money than women in heterosexual relationships?
Yes, it does still ring true.
Have you witnessed a female experience guilt over earning less than her male counterpart?
Yeah. It's a different kind of upset.
Being a top earner in a relationship is emasculating for men, while women simply desire the advantages, such as power and freedom, that come with it. This difference in perspective affects them in a unique way.
One of the greatest difficulties couples encounter is intensifying disagreements. What strategies can you employ to prevent a dispute from becoming overly hostile?
When people express themselves angrily and impolitely, their words are often just empty noise.
How can you handle a person who shuts down during a conflict?
When I work with couples, I strive to comprehend the reason behind the halt in their conversation. If my interpretation is accurate, it encourages them to open up further. However, if my interpretation is incorrect, they become unresponsive.
If your partner is shutting down, it means that what you're doing isn't working. Therefore, it's time to try something different to create an environment and conversation that you both enjoy.
What is the most important message you want your audience to remember from your presentation?
Don't let your initial beliefs cloud your judgment. Seek out alternative perspectives and explore the underlying truths.
You can find your empathetic way to understand the situation by recognizing that we are all more alike than different. Instead of splitting and villainizing, try to look for common ground.
Does anything surprise you anymore?
No one can fabricate personal life stories; they are astonishingly diverse and unique.
The most enjoyable surprises for me are when a phoenix rises from the ashes, despite being hurt, damaged, or traumatized. Despite facing adversity, you have discovered the strength to live a fulfilling life. Despite the challenges, you have found the resilience to make the right choices and overcome obstacles.
It's surprising how the good spirit of people can emerge in unexpected ways.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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