Couples of all types can benefit from marriage counseling. Here is what couples considering therapy can expect.
What Is Marriage Counseling?
Marriage counseling is a type of therapy designed to support people in intimate relationships. Marriage counseling is also called couples therapy, couples counseling, or relationship counseling. This form of counseling can help couples of all types improve their relationships by recognizing and resolving conflicts.
Any couple that has a history together can benefit from relationship counseling. Common reasons couples seek counseling include:
- Gaining insight into relationship dynamics.
- Resolving specific issues in the relationship.
- Strengthening emotional bonds.
- Finding amicable ways to bring a relationship to an end.
In marriage therapy, the relationship itself provides the focus for the counseling. However, each partner participating in the counseling is expected to focus on their own self-awareness and self-improvement as well.
Why Is Marriage Counseling Done?
Marriage counseling can be useful in a variety of situations. This type of therapy can prove helpful for partners who are thinking about separating. Marriage counseling can also help partners who are looking for improved intimacy and understanding in their relationship. Marriage counseling can help couples make thoughtful decisions about strengthening and rebuilding a relationship or deciding to go their separate ways.
How Effective Is Marriage Counseling?
Research has shown that marriage counseling can have a significant positive impact on a relationship. Couples counseling proves most effective when both partners involved in the counseling are committed to improving the relationship and to taking responsibility for their actions.
Some situations do exist when marriage counseling is not as effective. If the relationship is abusive or violent, couples therapy may not provide an effective approach. Additionally, marriage counseling is less effective if one partner refuses to participate in the treatment. Effectiveness is also reduced when each person in the relationship expects only their partner to change. All in all, the more open each partner is to reflecting on their habits and perspectives, the more effective marriage counseling will be.
How To Prepare for Marriage Counseling
The only real preparation someone seeking marriage counseling needs to do is to find the right therapist. There are certain aspects to consider when deciding if a therapist would be a good fit for a given couple. This includes:
- The therapist’s education and training.
- The therapist’s experience with a couple’s specific issues.
- The logistics of the office location and hours.
- The treatment plan, such as how many sessions a couple should expect and how long each session will last.
- Fees and insurance, including how much a therapist changes for each session and whether services are covered by a couple’s health insurance.
What Can Couples Expect From Marriage Counseling at Horizon?
Couples seeking marriage counseling can work with a therapist with clinical experience at Horizon. Our therapists will help partners in a relationship gain insight into the dynamics of their relationship to resolve conflict and improve the relationship overall. We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer convenient locations to serve couples in our community.
Especially when both partners are open to reflection and improvement, marriage counseling can prove very effective. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today.
