To Love and Cherish: What to Expect From Marriage Counseling

Have you ever asked your friends for relationship advice only to get frustrated by their opposing suggestions?

The truth is because all relationships have unique dynamics, it can be challenging to pinpoint what isn’t working in your marriage.  Whether you keep facing the same struggles or new ones continue to surface, going to marriage counseling can help you learn a lot about yourself, your partner, and your relationship. 

Curious to know how therapy works? Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from marriage counseling.

Building Trust with your Therapist

If you don’t know what to expect from your first marriage counseling appointment, most people would describe it as an interview about your relationship. Your therapist’s goal is to learn everything they can about your dynamic, in a safe and non-judgemental environment. You’ll talk about how long you’ve been together, your beliefs, and other relevant background information. The therapist will want to know the main problems you are experiencing, and what causes most of your stress within the relationship. 

Your Therapist Will Help Guide You Through What Areas of Your Marriage Can Improve

Marriage counselors use their experience to uncover the true causes of issues     in your relationship. Your therapist will bring attention to what you say, how you say it, and what your body language is saying. They’ll also observe how you interact and communicate as a couple. Couples therapy is useful in helping the couple move from a conflict situation to a more emotionally and intimately connected situation where needs are being met and problems are collaboratively and constructively solved.

A Marriage Counselor Creates a Safe, Unbiased Space to Get Everything Out in the Open

The job of a couples therapist is to improve communication between partners, not to decide who is right and wrong. Therapists are an unbiased mediator who can help couples gain a new perspective and appreciation for their partner. If you feel like you can’t communicate with your partner, your therapist will provide a safe environment for you to speak openly and honestly. Couples counseling allows you and your partner to begin processing sensitive issues that are hard to talk about and may be more difficult to handle independently. .

You’ll Learn New Techniques that Will Heal, and Grow Your Marriage

Your therapist is there to offer guidance and insight into your unique relationship. Healing and growing start in your sessions, but it also continues in your daily life. With the right tools, you’ll be able to correct the bad habits that are causing disconnect and develop new healthier dynamics in your marriage. 

Couples Who Attend Marriage Counseling learn how to  Empathize with Each Other.

The goal of marriage counseling is to walk out with a deeper understanding of your partner. If you can empathize with your partner, you can learn how to work through and solve problems without anger or frustration. You will learn to understand the deeper meaning behind your partner’s reactions and begin to empathize better with them. 

Knowing What to Expect from Marriage Counseling Makes It Less Intimidating 

Now that you know what to expect from marriage counseling, you can feel more prepared to make your relationship stronger.    Every couple can benefit from having a safe place to communicate, no matter where they are in a relationship. Seeking help is not a sign of failure but is a sign of strength. Recognizing the problem is the first step in positive changes in yourself and in your marriage. Through this process, couples can decide to rebuild their marriage and make a renewed commitment, or clarify the reasons why they need to separate or end the marriage

The Relationship Suite