Who Should Seek Marriage Counseling?

 

Does Marriage Counseling Work?

Research on marriage counseling is promising. According to a study by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy:

• More than 98% of couples who have tried marriage counseling reported that their therapy session was "excellent" or "good"
• 90% of couples who experienced marriage therapy said their emotional health improved
• Two-thirds said their physical health improved after receiving counseling

Many couples found marriage therapy to be effective. However, counseling is effective whether you have been dating for two months or 20 years. Research shows that communication problems, such as poor conflict management and lack of proactive suggestions lead to problems. Counseling can help resolve these issues before serious conflicts arise.

Studies also show that counseling can help couples with serious problems - one study compared couples who sought treatment after infidelity to relationships who did not. Not surprisingly, couples who sought professional help reported significantly improved relationship satisfaction. Marriage counseling is very effective when couples participate in the process.

Who Should Seek Marriage Counseling?

It's called "marriage counseling," but as we said, counseling isn't just for those who have already tied the knot. There isn't much difference between the techniques used in couples therapy and marriage counseling. Anyone can seek therapy regardless of their relationship status.

• Heterosexual Couples
• LGBT Couples
• Engaged Couples
• Couples Together
• Long Distance Couples
• Couples in Open Relationships
• Separated Couples

Again, Non-Existent Reason Limitations You Are Married You may consider counseling. Any issue you can`t solve on your own might benefit from therapy. A licensed, objective, unbiased perspective often helps, usually in just a few sessions.

Other issues couples may seek counseling for include those who feel like:

• They just repeat the same disagreement or fight and can`t find a solution
• They disagree about finances, parenting, or lifestyle choices
• Household chores and responsibilities aren`t equal, and they want to figure out how to communicate better
• They`ve lost romantic or sexual chemistry
• Their relationship is “on auto-pilot”
• They`re unheard of or unseen in the relationship, or their partner is emotionally unavailable
• They`ve experienced trauma or loss and are having trouble processing it
• Dealing with mental health struggles, infidelity, or substance abuse is affecting their relationship

While most partners can benefit from therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling may not be recommended for people in abusive relationships. If you or your loved one is suffering from some form of abuse, seek individualized treatment and get help right away.