Wellness

No longer seeing eye to eye with your best friend? There are therapy sessions for that

Even relationships between best friends can be fractured and therapy might just be the solution

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 31 Dec 2021 4:00PM

No longer seeing eye to eye with your best friend? There are therapy sessions for that
While the idea might be silly to some, the pandemic has worsened relationships of all kinds. – ETX pic, December 31, 2021

BREAK-UPS are a staple feature of every romantic comedy. But how do you deal when a break-up threatens a friendship? In NPR podcast Invisibilia: Therapy, with Friends, psychologist Esther Perel helps two "best friends" get back together. 

If a disagreement with a friend goes on for a long time, is it necessary to consult a professional in order to work out a reconciliation? While it may seem like a silly question, it's become particularly crucial in times of pandemic, when the boundaries are constantly changing. In an article published in MIC, journalist Tracey Anne Duncan asks this question: Should friends go to therapy? 

According to Shontel Cargill, an Atlanta-based psychotherapist who specializes in friendship interviewed by HelloGiggles, "many of the issues that commonly arise in our romantic relationships-communication breakdowns and feelings of betrayal or neglect-can also come up in our friendships." 

What if I don't get along with my best friend anymore? 

After many years of friendship or following a major disagreement, the relationship may be strained and communication can be challenging. Psychologist Nicole Sbordone advises showing your friend that you are invested in your relationship by checking in and even inviting them to join you in a therapy session. "Just doing so can mean a lot and show your friends that you care," the expert told Mic. 

Going to therapy with your best friend doesn't necessarily guarantee successful reconciliation if the breaking point is crossed, but a session can also bring closure to a relationship. In the case of the podcast by psychologist Esther Perel, the two friends seem to be on the right track to rebuilding their relationship.

The psychologist believes that the conversation they had relieved many tensions and could facilitate future conversations that would enable them to rekindle their friendship. – ETX Daily Up, December 31, 2021

Related News

Community / 4mth

Befrienders now provides in-person counselling to better reach out to those in need

Malaysia / 1y

Mental health issues among young Sarawakians a worrying trend, says MP

Malaysia / 2y

Over 1,300 detected with suicidal tendencies via new MySejahtera feature

2y

Awareness and professional treatment of surging mental health afflictions still lacking

Malaysia / 2y

'Workplace mental health support, access still lacking in Malaysia'

Wellness / 2y

Are you okay? Listening, not judging crucial in suicide prevention

Spotlight

Malaysia

Elderly man admits to hitting neighbour with iron rod

Malaysia

Body found at KLIA2 in tyre storage compartment of aircraft from Japan

Malaysia

Factory operator faces rape, unnatural sex charges involving polytechnic student

Malaysia

Ismail Sabri granted RM300k bail after pleading not guilty to asset declaration charge

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Sunway Lagoon ride halted as safety probe seeks to protect public - DOSH

Malaysia

Malaysia ready to deploy military expertise for Nepal flood relief, says Defence Minister

Malaysia

Violence in Thailand: Visitors drop by almost 50 per cent

By Ian McIntyre

You may be interested

Places

Overwhelming response for Penang’s reopened museum

By Ian McIntyre

Events

Merdeka Day celebrations in Melaka larger and more spectacular this year