As global divorce rates spike amidst the pandemic, turning to an online relationship course could be the salvation for many couples.
First published in April 2020, and updated here again now.
The world is quickly adjusting to a new reality: that of a pandemic and lockdowns. And with this new routine comes drastic alterations to the ways in which we interact, socialise and communicate.
While some are relishing in the confines of their home, others are finding self-isolation increasingly difficult, as coronavirus cabin fever hits. One area of life seems to be taking a hard hit for some: relationships.
In the Chinese city of Xi’an, reports suggest that applications for divorce have reached a record high.
Officials believe it’s due to couples being quarantined in close quarters, which has led to a rise in marital fights. As a result, the hashtag #AntiDomesticViolenceDuringEpidemic has been shared in the thousands on social media.
Further, domestic violence experts both in Australia and abroad are warning of a likely increase in domestic violence cases.
Research indicates that during times of high anxiety or stress, financial insecurity or alcohol consumption, violence against women is much more likely to occur, and/or relationships ending.
But with the world at our fingertips, relationships do not have to suffer during these unprecedented periods of self-isolation. This period can be used as a time to focus on deeply communicating, listening to your partner and growing, both as an individual and as a couple.
Re-ignite Your Relationship Online
The key to any relationship is communication and connection, says relationship expert Annie Gurton, who has over 16 years experience as a Psychological Therapist and Relationship Counsellor.
“The practice of connecting to ourselves and each other is the source of love and life,” she says.
But it can be hard, if not impossible, to begin to implement this into your relationship if you don’t know where to start, or if communication happens to be a weak point for you.
If your relationship is under strain due to increased time spent together, with no escape, an online course could be the answer – particularly when therapy is not an option during social distancing.
RescuMe Academy, a website dedicated to online learning and skills mastery, is offering an online masterclass to Reignite your Relationship, featuring learning and tools from Annie, who specialises in the Imago Therapy technique.
What is the Imago Therapy Technique?
The imago therapy technique is focused on turning conflict into growth and using it as an opportunity to deepen relationships and strengthen compassion.
Co-developed in 1980 by married couple Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, the imago dialogue has been used for over four decades by couples facing issues within their relationships.
The Reignite Your Relationship course utilises this technique, through 60-plus lessons, including video and audio modules, couples therapy worksheets and guided word scripts to tackle the most challenging relationship scenarios.
It’s all about validating and emphasizing with your partners concerns.
Managing difficult conversations, learning new coping strategies to deal with issues head on, and identifying and managing existing vulnerabilities are all key areas discussed within the course.
In particular, learning how to navigate massive changes to routines can be key in dealing with today’s new day-to-day life, of working from home and self-isolating from family and friends.
The course is currently discounted by 75%, and it’s less than half the cost of a regular therapy session, at $99.
great article.