How Group Therapy Can Help You Not Lose Yourself in Relationships

In his book Passionate Marriage, David Schnarch argues that one of the most important things for a healthy relationship is for each partner to be able to hold onto themselves. This means that each partner should be able to maintain their own sense of identity, values, and goals, even while they are in a close relationship with another person.

Schnarch believes that when we lose ourselves in a relationship, we become emotionally fused with our partner. This can lead to a number of problems, including codependency, resentment, and boredom. When we are fused with our partner, we lose our ability to see things from their perspective, and we become dependent on them for our emotional well-being. This can lead to a lot of conflict and tension in the relationship.

On the other hand, when we are able to hold onto ourselves in a relationship, we are able to maintain our own sense of self-worth and identity. This allows us to be more open and honest with our partner, and it also allows us to be more supportive and understanding. When we are not fused with our partner, we are free to be ourselves, and we are able to appreciate our partner for who they are.

Group therapy can be a great way to learn how to hold onto yourself in relationships. In group therapy, you will be surrounded by other people who are also working on their relationships. This can be a supportive and validating environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others.

In group therapy, you will also learn how to communicate more effectively with your partner. You will learn how to express your needs and wants in a clear and direct way, and you will also learn how to listen to your partner and understand their needs and wants.

Group therapy can also help you to develop a stronger sense of self-esteem and identity. You will learn to accept yourself for who you are, flaws and all. You will also learn to set boundaries and to stand up for yourself.

If you are struggling with your relationships, group therapy can be a great way to get help. Group therapy can help you to learn how to hold onto yourself in relationships, and it can also help you to develop a stronger sense of self-esteem and identity.

Here are some quotes from David Schnarch about group therapy:

• “Group therapy is a powerful tool for helping people learn how to hold onto themselves in relationships.”
• “In group therapy, people can learn how to communicate more effectively, how to set boundaries, and how to stand up for themselves.”
• “Group therapy can help people develop a stronger sense of self-esteem and identity.”

If you are interested in learning more about group therapy, I encourage you to talk to your therapist or to do some research online. There are many different types of group therapy available, so you can find one that is a good fit for you.