What does marriage counseling help with?

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

• Overview off marriage counseling 
• 8 thinks marriage counseling can help with
• How to find a marriage counselor

Marriage is one of the biggest decisions a person will make in their life, and the a big commitment between two people to be marriage can be a journey filled with both joy and challenges. Because of this, marriage is often a journey of personal growth, because even the strongest relationships can face rough patches. When this happens, marriage counseling can help couples navigate their issues, heal hurts and betrayals, and rekindle the connection that brought them together. In this article, we will delve into the things that marriage counseling can help with.

1. Marriage counseling can help with communication breakdown.

Communication challenges and breakdowns are one of the most common challenges in any relationship. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and unexpressed feelings can lead to frustration and emotional distance. Marriage counseling provides a safe and neutral space for couples to learn effective communication techniques. Therapists teach active listening, empathy, and assertiveness, to help partners better understand each other, each other's needs, and to be able to express their thoughts and emotions in a constructive and productive manner.

2. Marriage counseling can help with conflict resolution.

Every relationship experiences conflict. It natural and normal. And it would actually be a sign of a problem if you never had conflict your relationship. That being said, if conflict is not handled properly, it can escalate and cause damage. Marriage counseling helps couples learn conflict resolution skills so that they can address disagreements and differences in a healthy manner. Marriage counselors guide couples through the process of identifying underlying issues, addressing them as a team while avoiding blame, and helping couples find mutually beneficial solutions.

3. Marriage counseling can help with rebuilding trust. 

The foundation of a strong marriage is trust, and unfortunately, trust can be shattered. Some common reasons trust is broken include infidelity, secrecy, and broken promises. Marriage counseling provides a structured environment for couples to address trust-related issues. Through open dialogue and guided communication exercises, couples can work towards rebuilding trust. The silver lining is that often couples end counseling with a deeper understanding of each other, which can help them build a strong relationship than they had previously.

4. Marriage counseling can help with generating more intimacy and emotional connection. 

Busy schedules, stress, or unresolved conflicts can lead to both physical and emotional disconnection. Marriage counseling can help couples reconnect both physically and emotionally. To do this, couples counselors may suggest in session communication exercises as well as at home exercises that help promote emotional vulnerability and closeness. As emotional closeness builds, it can help foster emotional and physical intimacy.

5. Marriage counseling can help couples navigate role changes and life transitions. 

Life transitions, such as becoming parents, career changes, or relocating, can strain a relationship. This is because both partners are having to adapt to new roles and responsibilities. Marriage counseling provides a space for couples to navigate these transitions together. Couples counselors offer guidance on how to support each other while staying united even with all the challenges.

6. Marriage counseling can help with strengthening emotional bonds. 

It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life. When this happens, it can lead to couples  having very little time together to continue investing in their relationship. Marriage counseling encourages couples to prioritize their relationship and spend quality time together. Through shared activities and discussions, couples can deepen their emotional connection and create new experiences and lasting memories.

7. Marriage counseling can help with preventative maintenance. 

Just like your car and your house need preventative maintenance, so does your relationship.  In this way, marriage counseling isn't just for relationships with "problems". Instead, many couples seek couples counseling as a preventative measure to maintain the health of their relationship. Regular sessions can serve as a check-ins, allowing couples to address minor issues before they escalate into larger problems

8. Marriage counseling can help with enhancing self-awareness. 

Good marriage counseling helps with more than just the relationship itself, but also involves helping each individual engage in a process of self-discovery. Couples gain insights into their own patterns of behavior, emotional triggers, and communication styles. This enhanced self-awareness benefits the relationship, but also fosters individual personal growth as well.

How to find a marriage counselor.

To find a marriage counselor, it is often helpful to ask for referrals from friends and family. This can help you know who others have liked working with and avoid people that others definitely would not recommend. You can also ask your individual therapist or other medical provider for how they would recommend for marriage counseling services. While most marriage counselors do not take insurance, it doesn't hurt to ask your insurance company for a direct referral to a marriage counselor in case there are some in-network marriage counselors in you area. Finally, one of the easiest ways to find a marriage counselor is to complete a google search. you can also use a therapist directory such as TherapyDen, ZenCare, or PsychologyToday to find both local and online marriage counseling options.

Marriage counseling can be a valuable resource for couples to heal, grow, and strengthen their relationship. By addressing communication breakdowns, learning conflict resolution skills, rebuilding trust, nurturing intimacy, adapting to life changes, strengthening emotional bonds, and promoting self-awareness, marriage counseling helps couples navigate the complexities of a relationship. It's important to approach marriage counseling with an open mind and a willingness to engage in the process. The success of counseling often depends on the active participation and commitment of both partners. With the guidance of a skilled couples  therapist and the dedication to the relationship, marriage counseling can lead to a renewed sense of love, understanding, and connection. Whether a relationship is facing challenges or simply seeking to prevent problems, marriage counseling can be the tool that leads to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.

Looking to start Marriage Counseling?

Elizabeth Polinsky Counseling provides online Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling, as well as weekend-long Marriage Intensives, throughout the states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Nevada. Click the button below to schedule a complimentary consult. ​

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About the Author

Elizabeth Polinsky is a Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist (EFT) providing EFT marriage counseling and sex therapy in the states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Nevada. She also provides EFT training and supervision to therapists looking to become certified in EFT Couple Therapy. As a military spouse, she has a special passion for working with military and veteran couples, and is also the host of The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships. 

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