No one imagines their marriage ending in divorce, which is why so many people are willing to do just about anything to save their relationship.
Whether you and your spouse are constantly fighting or have lost that “spark” you felt in the beginning, it can be scary to notice your marriage falling through the cracks.
However, just because your marriage is going through a rough patch, it doesn’t mean it’s time to give up and throw in the towel. You and your partner need to give your relationship some TLC and seek marriage counseling.
But does marriage counseling work? What facts do you need to know about counseling to feel like it’ll be worth your time?
Keep reading to find out!
1. Emotionally-Focused Therapy Is the Primary Approach
While there are many approaches a counselor might take with an individual or a couple, emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) is the main approach.
EFT is a short-term treatment that generally lasts between 8-20 sessions. It primarily focuses on communication between spouses and works to develop healthier ways to communicate, especially in times of heightened emotional states.
EFT will also look at attachment styles and how each partner’s attachment may be affecting the relationship. Developing a deeper understanding of one’s deeply-rooted attachment style can help the couple communicate in a healthier way.
2. There Are High Success Rates
The success rate of marriage counseling is an impressive 75 percent.
This statistic alone shows how much marriage counseling can be effective for couples who want to stay together and who are ultimately compatible but need to learn healthier ways to communicate with their partner.
The statistic also shows that yes, some couples will still get divorced following marriage counseling, and that’s okay, too. The reality is that some couples should not be together, and they can accept that through marriage and divorce counseling.
3. The Sooner the Better
Getting marriage counseling at any point in a relationship can be helpful, but it’s best to start at the earliest signs of dysfunction.
If you and your partner start noticing a lapse in communication, or feel as though your spark is slowly drifting away, you can seek therapy to get ahead of the issue before it gets worse.
This allows you to work together to build a stronger relationship without going through a rough patch full of fighting and cold shoulders.
4. Finding the Right Therapist Matters
The therapeutic relationship refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client(s).
In all types of therapy, this relationship is essential to the success of the sessions. If you don’t trust your therapist, or feel as though you can’t open up to them, the counseling sessions will be mostly ineffective.
That’s why finding the right therapist for you and your partner matters. You should both feel comfortable opening up about your relationship, and there needs to be mutual respect during the sessions.
So, Does Marriage Counseling Work?
The answer to the big question ‘does marriage counseling work’ is a resounding ‘yes,’ especially if you start early and you and your partner are both committed to succeeding.
Are you and your partner ready to take on the challenges and pitfalls of your marriage? Do you want to work through your problems and learn new ways to communicate and care for each other?
Book an appointment with us today!