Marriage counselling, otherwise known as couples or relationship therapy, can be beneficial to those having difficulties in their relationship. It is suggested that help is sought out sooner rather than later to prevent possible divorce or just help you and your partner figure things out and stay together.
There is no better way to start than finding a counsellor who is experienced in working with couples and relationships. Remember It is important to find a therapist that you both feel comfortable talking to and working with to help manage your issues. Due to COVID-19, the counselling sessions are mainly online.
Understanding if you need marriage therapy
Ask yourself these few simple questions about yourself, your better half and your relationship. If you answer yes to most of these, you are statistically more at risk of divorce.
- Did you get married at a young age?
- Do you withdraw from each other?
- Do you have poor communication?
- Did your parents divorce?
- Did you fail to finish secondary school?
- Are you in a low-income bracket?
- Is there infidelity, abuse or addiction in your marriage?
- Do you often criticise one another?
Even if most of your answers were yes, it does not mean divorce has to be the final solution. However, it may mean working that extra bit harder to get your marriage back on track, and speaking to a therapist can help with this.
Even couples who have realistic expectations, communicate well and are compatible can benefit from relationship counselling. It may just be that they need an additional push to solidify their communication skills and strengthen their bond.
Will it work?
There are ways to benchmark whether or not marriage counselling will work for you; counsellors advise that some couples may gain more out of it. If you're in one of the below categories, you're likely to benefit the most;
- Younger couples
- Couples open to therapy and change
- Couples who are still in love
- Couples willing to observe themselves and their flaws
On the other hand, counselling is not for everybody, but that does not mean you should give up hope! Everyone can get help, but some relationships may take more time to heal. If you're in any of the following categories allow your relationship a little more time and know you may have to make an extra effort:
- Couples who wait too long before seeking help
- Marriages where both show up to sessions but are not so invested in putting the work in
- Marriages where one is set on divorce
- Couples who are not willing to open themselves up to suggestions of help
All couples experience conflict within their relationship; some have the right skills and mindset to handle it better. However, if you believe your marriage is not what it used to be and want to get back on the right track do not wait to seek professional advice as to the longer you delay help, the harder it will be!
If you feel you can benefit from marriage counselling, contact me today to book an appointment. I also offer online counselling.
