Couples Counseling: What to Expect and How it Helps

Feb 27, 2019

Any person married for a long time understands that marriage can be difficult. Of course, it is always a labor of love. But what can we do when we feel that we can longer communicate with the person we vowed to love forever? The answer may be in couples counseling.

Some couples may be hesitant to seek out assistance from someone outside the relationship. They may view it as a failure on their part. They could also have the opinion that a third party may complicate an already stressed relationship. While those feelings are valid, they could not be further from the truth. In fact, 75% of couples seeking couples counseling noted improvement in their relationships.

Couples counseling is most effective when both parties are committed to making a change for the better. Success happens in couples where both parties came for advice and with the willingness to admit that there were problems and a focus on solving them. Both parties need to dedicate time and energy to the betterment of the situation, or else no amount of counseling is going to help. However, for those couples that put in work, they received the reward of a happier life together. And who doesn't want that?

What to Expect at Couples Counseling

What can you expect when you walk into your first session with a couples counselor? Couples counseling is like regular therapy. You go in to speak with a neutral person that then helps you work on resolutions to any problems you and your partner have. A couples counselor will begin by asking what has been going on in the relationship. They need to know what the pain points are and where the strain is occurring. Also, the counselor may schedule time with each party so that they may get into more detail about that person's perspective. Speaking to a therapist alone might allow one party to open up more than they might when their partner is present.

The first few sessions might not be very productive. Couples counseling can bring up hidden pain. You may also hear about concerns that your partner has with you, that you didn't even realize existed. However, it's best to remember that you're there for a reason. It's valuable to get past the discomfort of hearing the issues your loved one has with you. When it gets difficult, it might help to remind yourself why you are seeking counseling. The goal is to work through the struggle that is keeping you and your spouse from the intimacy you once had.

Marriage is rewarding. There is something beautiful about spending your life with the person you trust with your heart. However, any union also has its rough times. When that happens, you may find yourself needing a professional who will help steer your relationship back on course. A couples counselor is a great way to overcome a difficult time in your marriage and make your relationship stronger. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.