Marriage counseling is used in order to provide a comforting environment for married couples in which open communication is encouraged and is key for accurately diagnosing issues within the marriage so that long-term solutions can be brainstormed and implemented. Open communication can help the couple come to mutual understandings and figure out how to move forward.
Who seeks out marital counseling?
Many individuals think that marital counseling is only for couples that are on the brink of divorce and marital collapse --- however, marriage counseling can benefit any couple that wants to improve their communication skills and have an open dialogue in a neutral environment. Additionally, any couple can seek counseling, regardless of the status of their relationship.
Some specific issues that clients may come into therapy wanting to address can include...
- Couples who have repetitive fights or find that it is difficult to find a common ground-solution
- Couples who disagree about parenting/lifestyle choices
- Couples who feel that household/relationship responsibilities are unequal
- Couples who feel their partner is emotionally unavailable/feel unheard
- Couples who have recently experiencing a tragedy or collective loss and are having trouble processing it together
What occurs during marital counseling?
It is encouraged that both partners be present during the sessions, as this is the best way to see how the relationship dynamic is currently manifesting for the couple. However, solo marital counseling still has its benefits, as an individual can better understand themselves and how they fit into the larger marriage dynamic.
Similar to other forms of therapy sessions, marital counseling won't always feel emotionally comfortable. Addressing issues in a relationship and within oneself will involve some discomfort, but it is imperative that one pushes through the discomfort (within reasonable personal limits) to get to the root causes of feelings and emotions. Feeling and emotions will be shared in the therapeutic space that partners may have not heard or voiced out loud before, and these can often be intense. All of these fears are a normal byproduct of vulnerable communication. It is important that individuals are able to "get it all out" and have their emotions and feelings validated.
Marriage counseling is also generally practical, as the therapist can send the couple home after each session homework to work on or practice certain skills before the following session.
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to guiding addressing marital difficulties to reach your best potential.
*This information was adapted from Talkspace. Click here to learn more information.*