Marriage counseling, or couples therapy, is a method of counseling used to help couples communicate more effectively, identify key issues and challenges in a relationship, and eventually make behavioral changes that can strengthen the relationship, according to Mayo.com. In some cases marriage counseling helps couples improve the manner in which they relate. In other cases, it allows a couple to identify problems that they may not be able to overcome, and helps the couple part ways.
Function
Couples may seek marriage counseling to feel closer to each other and strengthen their relationship, according to MayoClinic.com Marriage counseling can also be done before marriage to help a couple prepare for the changes that may occur in their relationship after marriage. In many cases couples also enter marriage counseling to seek support with specific problems, such as parenting issues, substance abuse, anger, infidelity or financial issues.
Features
Marriage counseling is typically focused on identifying and testing solutions to relationship issues, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, AAMFT. This type of therapy is brief in nature, with 1 ses2sions the average course of treatment. Therapists also focus on creating straight-forward, attainable goals for the couple, and the course of treatment is designed with an eventual end point, rather than being open-ended in nature.
Benefits
The AAMFT notes that research studies show that clients who use marriage counseling are typically satisfied with the results. Clients report improvements in emotional and physical health, and more than three-fourths of clients who receive marriage or couples therapy report improvements in the relationship with their partner. The AAMFT also notes that the role of marriage counseling in the mental health field has grown due to the use of brief, solution-based therapy methods.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com advises couples to consult professionals, such as a family doctor, clergy, health insurance provider or local mental health agency for a referral to a qualified marriage and family therapist or counselor trained in marriage counseling. Couples should consider factors, such as the education and specific areas of expertise as well as factors that include how the therapist structures sessions and treatment plans. An initial meeting with a therapist is the best time to gather any necessary information, after which a couple will be better prepared to select a provider.
Expert Insight
Experts at MayoClinic.com note that marriage counseling can often bring out arguments, disagreements and resentments. This is considered a necessary and productive part of the treatment process. If one partner refuses to attend sessions, a partner can attend alone, although experts note that this can make it more challenging to improve difficulties in the relationship. In some cases a relationship will improve from counseling sessions, while in other cases a couple will decide that their differences can not be reconciled. Experts suggest that either outcome may be healthier for both partners than simply ignoring problems or waiting for issues to resolve themselves without professional support.
