Repairing Toxic Patterns in Relationships

In my previous article, Relationships and Toxic Behaviors, we address how to identify, recognize and own unhealthy behaviors in our relationship which is essential for creating a healthier, happier, and more nurturing partnership. These behaviors will significantly harm or destroy the dynamics of the relationship. Repairing toxic patterns in relationships is possible with dedication, open communication, and a willingness to change. Here are steps couples can take to repair toxic patterns:

1. Recognition and Acknowledgment: Both partners need to acknowledge the existence of toxic patterns and their negative impact on the relationship. This requires honest self-reflection and an understanding of how these patterns have affected each person and the relationship as a whole.
2. Open Communication: Create a safe space for open and honest communication. Discuss feelings, concerns, and how each person has been affected by the toxic patterns. Avoid blaming and instead focus on expressing emotions and needs.
3. Identify Triggers and Patterns: Together, identify the specific triggers that lead to toxic behaviors and the patterns that emerge during conflicts. Recognizing these triggers can help you interrupt the cycle before it escalates.
4. Take Responsibility: Each partner should take responsibility for their own contributions to the toxic patterns. This means acknowledging mistakes, apologizing for hurtful actions, and committing to personal growth and change.
5. Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries to prevent the recurrence of toxic behaviors. Boundaries clarify expectations and provide guidelines for respectful communication and behavior.
6. Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking the assistance of a therapist or counselor who specializes in relationships. A professional can offer guidance, tools, and strategies to help you navigate through and overcome toxic patterns.
7. Develop Effective Communication Skills: Learn and practice healthy communication skills, such as active listening, using “I” statements, and expressing needs and feelings clearly without blame or criticism.
8. Conflict Resolution: Work together to develop effective conflict resolution strategies. Focus on finding solutions and compromises rather than placing blame or winning arguments.
9. Build Trust: Rebuilding trust takes time and consistency. Keep your promises, be transparent, and demonstrate trustworthiness through actions.
10. Practice Empathy: Try to understand each other’s perspectives and emotions. Empathy fosters understanding and helps partners connect on a deeper level.
11. Cultivate Positive Interactions: Engage in activities that promote positive interactions and shared experiences. This can help create a foundation of positivity in the relationship.
12. Individual Growth: Focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Addressing individual issues and insecurities can contribute to healthier interactions as a couple.
13. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make in breaking the toxic patterns. Celebrating small victories can help reinforce positive changes.
14. Be Patient: Healing and change take time. Be patient with each other as you work through challenges and setbacks.
15. Regular Check-Ins: Establish a routine of checking in with each other to assess the progress you’re making and to address any emerging issues before they escalate.

Remember that repairing toxic patterns requires commitment, effort, and ongoing dedication from both partners. It’s important to understand that change won’t happen overnight, but with persistence and a shared desire for a healthier relationship, it is possible to break free from toxic patterns and create a more positive and loving dynamic.

Ways to repair a toxic relationship

Sadly, more couples than not, do not put in the effort at home to complete “homework” or dedicated time to work on their relationship. I have heard the typical excuses of “not enough time” or “we are just too busy” to deter couples from dedicating time to work on the relationship. Repairing any relationship takes time and effort. Using homework assignments as part of the process to repair toxic patterns in a relationship can be a helpful and structured approach. Homework assignments provide opportunities for self-reflection, practice, and growth outside of therapy sessions. Here are some homework ideas for couples looking to repair toxic patterns:

1. Journaling: Encourage each partner to keep a journal where they can reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the toxic patterns. This can help increase self-awareness and provide insights into triggers and behaviors.
2. Daily Check-Ins: Set aside time each day to have a brief check-in conversation. Discuss how you’re feeling, any challenges you faced in terms of communication or behavior, and what positive steps you took to address them.
3. Communication Exercises: Practice specific communication exercises designed to improve active listening, assertiveness, and empathy. For example, take turns sharing your feelings and experiences about a particular topic while the other partner listens without interrupting.
4. Conflict Resolution Role Play: Choose a previous conflict that escalated due to toxic patterns. Reenact the scenario and practice using healthier communication and conflict resolution strategies to see how things might have played out differently.
5. Boundary Setting Exercise: Together, define and discuss the boundaries you want to establish in the relationship. Write them down and share them with each other to ensure a mutual understanding.
6. Apology Letters: Write letters of apology to each other for specific instances of hurtful behavior. Express genuine remorse, take responsibility, and outline your commitment to change.
7. Affection and Appreciation Challenge: Make it a goal to express affection and appreciation toward each other daily. Use notes, texts, or verbal ways to communicate. This can help shift the focus from negative patterns to positive interactions.
8. Reading Assignments: Choose a book or articles on healthy relationships, communication, or personal growth. Read a chapter or an article separately, and then discuss what you’ve learned and how it applies to your relationship. See recommended books.
9. Individual Self-Care Plans: Each partner can create a self-care plan that outlines activities that promote personal well-being. This can include hobbies, exercise, mindfulness practices, and spending time with friends.
10. Weekly Goal Setting: Set specific goals related to breaking the toxic patterns. These goals could involve practicing certain communication skills, being more mindful of triggers, or implementing positive changes in behavior.
11. Gratitude Journaling: Keep a joint gratitude journal where you both write down things, you’re grateful for in each other and in the relationship. This can help shift the focus toward positivity.
12. Emotional Expression Art: Create art or write letters that express your emotions and feelings about the relationship. This can serve as a creative outlet for emotions that may be difficult to express verbally.
13. Visualization Exercises: Spend time individually visualizing a healthier version of your relationship without the toxic patterns. Share your visualizations with each other and discuss how to work toward that vision.
14. Feedback and Reflection: At the end of the week, have a feedback and reflection session where you discuss what went well, what challenges you faced, and how you can continue to improve.

Remember that these assignments are meant to facilitate growth and understanding, not to replace professional help if needed. It’s important to approach these exercises with an open mind, patience, and a genuine desire to create positive changes in your relationship. 

Dealing with relationships can be difficult and overwhelming but you are not alone! If you are struggling right now, let’s talk. You can book an in-person or virtual visit.

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Email or call anytime to schedule an in-person or virtual session. (817) 701-5438 | beckylennox2018@gmail.com

Speaking Truth,

Becky Lennox
CRT, CCDC, CACC | Counselor & Life Coach

Empowering individuals, families and communities to grow and heal through advanced approaches in Creative Arts Therapy, setting the standard for treatment, practice and training within the field.