Society says that one does not need any training to have successful relationships and that one should automatically know how to be an effective parent, spouse, partner, or colleague. Little time is spent in understanding how one forms relationships, what it is that makes them secure, what others need in relationships, and what happens when the personal growth of one partner threatens the established relationship norm. In addition, we tend to fall into the same dysfunctional roles and patterns of behaviour that we witnessed in our parents relationship while growing up. Is it any wonder most people continue to struggle in their relationships!

Relationships are central to one’s personal sense of satisfaction, and may even partially define who a person is. When relationships are healthy and strong, people may derive much happiness from them and feel better about themselves. Each relationship has its problems, at least from time to time. However, when they are significantly problematic, feelings of being undermined, depleted, trapped, deprived, insecure, resentful, and/or overwhelmed may become obvious. This is especially true in relationships that are destructive or abusive. Harmful relationships can damage one's self-esteem, and can foster the view of oneself as a victim.

Many couples wait until it is almost too late to seek professional help for their problems. They struggle on their own try to resolve patterns of behaviour that are deeply rooted from years of living together and unsuccessfully resolving conflict. Breaking the patterns of behaviour and understanding one’s role in creating or escalating the conflict is central resolving the issues that are pulling the relationship apart.