One of the best relationships I've been involved in, didn't involve shared counseling to show us how to communicate, but bringing forth skills learned plus lessons learned about self introspection through our own therapy, support group and self work.

Sometimes navigating our own fears and triggers while trying to bring about healthy relationship behaviors, you can actually see your partner trying, too. Parent ourselves, so to speak. It's actually pretty cool, to notice. Builds trust and strength. Guess, that's why I've seen many promote individual counseling prior to couples.

Is it, communicating or is it trust? Vulnerability? Fight/flight? Feeling unheard? Dismissed? And a few other unmet needs, I've seen in the postings?