helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships
Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Marriage counseling can help couples in all types of intimate relationships — heterosexual or same-sex partners, married or not. Some couples seek marriage counseling to strengthen their bonds and gain a better understanding of each other. Marriage counseling can also help couples who plan to get married.
Couples often seek marriage counseling to improve a troubled relationship and to address such issues as:
- Communication problems
- Anger
- Substance abuse
- Sexual difficulties
- Financial problems
- Infidelity
- Divorce
Marriage counseling usually involves both partners in joint therapy sessions to learn skills to strengthen their relationship. These skills include communicating openly, solving problems together, and discussing differences rationally. Learning about all the aspects of relationships helps couples to define and better understand the sources of their conflicts.
Talking about problems with a counselor can be difficult and may include arguing. The therapist will help couples to work through the turmoil and get to the actual problems, which can then be addressed. If one partner is coping with mental illness, substance abuse or other issues, the therapist might work with other professionals to address specific areas that affect the relationship. One partner can make an appointment with a marriage counselor if the other partner is unwilling to attend. This can be helpful to the partner attending the counseling session to better understand problem areas and discuss methods to address them.
Marriage counseling can be short term, or it may require several months if the issues are severe and/or long-established. The specific treatment plan will depend on the situation. In some cases, marriage counseling helps couples discover that their differences are irreconcilable, and that it’s best to end the relationship. In many cases, however, making the tough decision to seek help can result in a stronger, more committed, happier life together.
The professional therapists at New Leaf Center provide experienced, insightful therapy for couples seeking help to resolve problems in their committed relationships.
