Why marriage counseling is important.

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

• Why Marriage Counseling is Important
• When to Seek Marriage Counseling 
• Types of Marriage Counseling 

Marriage can be a one of the most fulfilling and meaningful relationships in life, yet it's not without its challenges. Couples often find themselves facing issues that threaten the health of their relationship. This is why marriage counseling is important. Marriage counseling can help provide hope and a lifeline for couples who want to strengthen or repair their relationship in order to stay together.

Why marriage counseling is important: 

1. The Need for Communication: Good communication is a foundational component of a strong and healthy marriage. Couples often struggle with expressing themselves and listening to each other. In marriage counseling, they learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings more clearing, bridging the gap that may have been growing for years.
2. Conflict Resolution: Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, but it's how we handle it that makes a difference. Destructive conflicts can erode a marriage over time, while productive conflict resolution can strengthen it and actually increase intimacy over time. Marriage counseling provides couples with the tools and skills they need to navigate conflicts in a healthy and productive way.
3. Emotional Connection and Intimacy: Emotional connection and intimacy are the glue that keep relationships together. Unfortunately, the daily stressors of life can make it hard to maintain emotional intimacy. Marriage counseling helps couples rediscover and rekindle the emotional intimacy that initially brought them together.
4. Dealing with Trust Issues: Trust is important for a successful marriage because it is needed in order to both partners to feel free and safe to be themselves. When trust issues arise, they can threaten the very core of the relationship. Marriage counseling offers a safe space for couples to rebuild trust through open and honest communication and effective problem-solving.
5. Addressing Individual Needs: A successful marriage also requires that each individual has the freedom to continue their individual personal development and to get their individual needs met. Unmet needs can lead to frustration and resentment, which can then harm the relationship. Marriage counseling helps couples address their individual needs while also learning to continually nurture their relationship.
6. Strengthening Commitment: Commitment helps keep a marriage together during tough times. Through counseling, couples are reminded of their initial commitment and how to strengthen it in order continue to face life's storms together.
7. Cultural and Stigma Considerations: Sometimes cultural barriers and social stigma can deter couples from seeking the help they need. It's important to recognize that healthy relationships is a universal human need. even if you don't know anyone who has ever done couples counseling, don't let that hold you back from taking steps needed to help strengthen your marriage.

When to seek marriage counseling:

Recognizing when to seek marriage counseling is important for enhancing your relationship. A common misconception is that counseling should only be considered when a marriage is on the brink of divorce. However, the truth is that counseling can be beneficial long before that, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to repair the relationship.

Couples should consider seeking couples counseling when they notice:

• persistent and unresolved conflicts,
• a breakdown in communication,
• or a decline in emotional intimacy.

These early warning signs can indicate that there are underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, may lead to more significant problems down the road. Seeking marriage counseling during these initial problems can help couples learn effective communication strategies, resolve conflicts, and rekindle the emotional connection, ultimately preventing the need for more intensive therapy later on.

Another thing to consider is that marriage counseling requires that both partners are willing and committed to the process. When both individuals in a marriage acknowledge that there are things that could be improved and are ready to work on them together, the chances of a successful outcome are significantly higher. Willingness to attend couples counseling demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the relationship and a willingness to invest the time and effort needed for positive change. So, if you and your partner find yourselves facing challenges that are impacting your marriage and are both open to seeking help, that's a strong indicator that it's the right time to reach out to a qualified marriage counselor. (Learn about the best type counselor for marriage counseling.)

Types of marriage counseling

Marriage counseling includes a variety of therapeutic approaches, each tailored to address specific issues and suit the unique needs of couples. Some common types of marriage counseling include traditional couples counseling such as the Gottman Method, which focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts; Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), designed to help couples reconnect on an emotional level; and Imago Relationship Therapy, which delves into childhood experiences and how they impact adult relationships. Additionally, there are faith-based counseling approaches, such as Christian or Islamic marriage counseling, which incorporate spiritual principles into the therapy process. The choice of marriage counseling type largely depends on the couple's specific challenges, preferences, and cultural or religious backgrounds, highlighting the importance of finding the right fit to achieve the best results in strengthening the marriage. (Learn more about the types of marriage counseling here.)

In summary, every marriage faces challenges and marriage counseling is a took that can help you preserve your marriage and keep it strong through the face of life challenges. Marriage counseling is not a sign of weakness or failure; it's a testament to your commitment to your partner and your relationship. Marriage counseling offers the tools, guidance, and support needed to navigate the challenges of married life, helping keep your relationship healthy and happy over the years. Don't hesitate to seek the help to build a stronger, healthier marriage. After all, that's why marriage counseling exists.

Looking to start Marriage Counseling?

Elizabeth Polinsky Counseling provides online EFT marriage counseling and sex therapy to those looking to improve their relationships 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

Dr. 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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