Marriage counselling is extremely valuable, whether you’re a newlywed who wants to work towards a long and fulfilling marriage or are experiencing difficulties with a partner you’ve been with for many years. Contrary to popular belief, this form of counselling is not specifically for struggling couples. It is for everyone who wants to invest in their relationship.
In this post, Select Psychology looks at the details of marriage counselling. We particularly focus on the more difficult parts, such as: is your relationship salvageable, do you need marriage counselling, and what will be discussed in these sessions? We answer these and more questions below so that you can be confident in your knowledge of marriage counselling.
Is Marriage Counselling Different To Couples Therapy?
Marriage and couple counselling overlap significantly, as both deal with issues between couples. Many in the industry use the terms interchangeably, which further adds to the confusion.
However, there are a few differences between these types of counselling. Marriage counselling focuses on present-day events and the current challenges of married life. Whereas couples therapy looks at the present, but also focuses on individual histories to find the causes of unhealthy patterns of relating. Its focus is to get to the root of the problems between you and your partner. While marriage counselling focuses more on the here and now.
Who Goes To Marriage Counselling?
While counselling and therapy may sometimes have negative connotations or stigmas, the truth is that every relationship can benefit from marriage counselling. It is not just for couples who are approaching divorce.
Marriage therapy as a young couple can help you create healthy habits and open communication from the start. Getting marriage guidance a few years into the marriage can help open up the sore spots in a kind manner to help them heal. In the really severe cases, where both parties have been unhappy for some time, we can help get to the bottom of that unhappiness. This is done by building connection and intimacy, and work on recovering that relationship with your partner.
Do I Need Marriage Counselling?
Following the above points, yes, you probably need marriage counselling. Or at least, you can certainly benefit from it.
If you feel deeply unhappy in your marriage, feel unsafe, or have considered divorce, then it is definitely time to go to a marriage therapist. Particularly when children are involved, and there are numerous reasons for not wanting to separate, going to marriage counselling is crucial.
Does Marriage Counselling Work?
Thankfully, marriage counselling does work. While every individual and couple is different, professional psychologists have numerous methods and techniques to help patients to connect, heal, create intimacy, and build a life together.
Our marriage therapy promotes understanding of each other, reducing conflict and enabling resolution of differences through negotiation and compromise.
Do I Need To Be Married To Go To Marriage Counselling?
No, you do not need to be married to engage in this type of therapy. As having a long-term partner can be almost identical to being married, counselling can be just as effective and beneficial in these relationships.
If you are in a newer relationship, you may find couples therapy more suitable for your situation. As previously mentioned, there are not many differences, but couples counselling will help you consider how your past affects this new relationship and build from there.
Is My Relationship Salvageable?
In some cases, relationships can get to a point where they are no longer worth saving. However, this is generally only in extreme cases, like situations of domestic violence or regular betrayal in the form of cheating or pathological lying, etc. Most marriages are worth saving and deserve the attention and commitment of therapy.
It is also important to note that, even if you and your partner decide on divorce, marriage therapy beforehand can be extremely beneficial. From understanding your partner better to how to talk to the kids about it, this is an important step. You will then be able to move on with your lives in a healthy way.
What Will Be Discussed In A Marriage Counselling Session?
The topics discussed in your sessions will differ from what comes up in others. We know that every couple has its own unique challenges, and we are committed to helping you with those. At Select Psychology, our couples counselling allows you to talk about your issues in a comfortable and safe environment, providing ways to move forward in your relationship and improve your communication.
You will also learn how to compromise with each other and the world at large. We provide a way for you to understand conflict, solve problems, gain confidence in your relationship, and state your needs clearly and openly with your partner.
If you are located in Newcastle or the North East of England, you can get in touch with us today. We are well equipped and enthusiastic to offer you and your partner marriage guidance counselling, no matter what you are experiencing.