Counseling is an important mental health tool. It can help people understand themselves and others, giving them the tools they need to overcome issues in their lives. Individual counseling is performed one-on-one with a counselor. Marriage counseling is different. It gives couples the chance to talk to each other and a counselor simultaneously. Marriage counseling can help you revitalize a troubled marriage or make sure a happy marriage stays on track. Here are three things that marriage counseling can help with.
1. Cut through resentment.
Resentment is dangerous. Over time, resentment can breed contempt, which can doom a relationship. It's important to address resentment directly. A counselor can help you and your partner discuss negative feelings you may harbor toward each other. This type of conversation can be delicate, which is why it's best to enlist the help of a counselor. A counselor will direct your conversation to keep unproductive accusations to a minimum, allowing you and your spouse to move toward reconciliation and healing.
2. Help couples prioritize their relationships.
Marriage is a unique type of relationship. It demands a lot of time and investment from both spouses. Unfortunately, some people begin to take their spouses for granted over time. Other pressing concerns, such as jobs and children, can get in the way of your romantic relationship with your partner. A marriage counselor can help you remember to prioritize your relationship. Weekly counseling sessions will ensure that you and your partner have at least an hour of honest, productive conversation each week. Your counselor can suggest small modifications you can make to your daily lives, which will help you and your spouse connect with each other more regularly.
3. Encourage couples to be honest with each other.
Honesty is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. However, some truths are more difficult than others. Spouses may sometimes conceal the truth from each other out of a fear of conflict or a desire to spare each other's feelings. Marriage counseling sessions can help you and your partner open up to each other. Your counselor will strive to create a supportive and safe environment where you and your spouse can disclose things you want to tell each other. Many couples find that this process helps them feel a more intimate connection.
There's never a wrong time to seek marriage counseling. Marriage counseling can strengthen relationships during happy times and help couples course-correct during troubled times. Seeking counseling is a responsible and proactive way to prioritize your marriage.
Share2 February 2021
When I initially started the therapy process about 10 years ago, I didn't take the time to scout out the right counselor. Instead, I just went to the first counselor that my doctor recommended, and the experience was less than enjoyable. I realized that I might need to do a little research to find the right counselor for me, so I took the time to carefully evaluate my needs and research different clinics in my area. I was able to find an amazing counselor who really seemed to have it under control, and it was incredibly beneficial to see the difference that it made. This blog is all about finding the right counselor.