What You Can Expect in Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling typically brings couples or partners together for joint therapy sessions. Working with a therapist, you’ll learn skills to solidify your relationship. These skills might include communicating openly, solving problems together and discussing differences rationally. You’ll analyze both the good and bad parts of your relationship as you pinpoint and better understand the sources of your conflicts.
Talking about your problems with an LDS marriage counselor might not be easy. Sessions might pass in silence as you and your partner seethe over perceived wrongs — or you might bring your fights with you, perhaps even yelling or arguing during sessions. Both are OK. Your therapist can act as mediator and
If your partner refuses to attend marriage counseling sessions, you can go by yourself. It’s more challenging to mend a relationship when only one partner is willing to go to therapy, but you can still benefit by learning more about your reactions and behavior in the relationship.
Marriage counseling is often short term. You might need only a few sessions to help you weather a crisis — or you might need marriage counseling for several months, particularly if your relationship has greatly deteriorated. The specific treatment plan will depend on your situation. In some cases, marriage counseling helps couples discover that their differences truly are irreconcilable and that it’s best to end the relationship.
A good place to begin your search for an LDS marriage counselor might be to talk with loved ones, friends, your health insurer, employee assistance program, or clergy for referrals.
Before scheduling sessions with a specific therapist, consider whether the therapist would be a good fit for you and your partner. You might ask questions like these:
- Education and experience. What is your educational and training background? Are you licensed by the state? Are you credentialed by the AAMFT? What is your experience with my type of issue?
- Logistics. Where is your office? What are your office hours? Are you available in case of emergency?
- Treatment plan. How many sessions should I expect to have? How long is each session?
- Specialties. Does the therapist work with couples as a part of their normal practice.
Making the decision to go to marriage counseling can be tough. If you have a troubled relationship, however, seeking help is more effective than ignoring your problems or hoping they get better on their own. Contact the best LDS marriage counselor today at 972-426-9500 or visit us online at j9n.83e.myftpupload.com.