Relationship Counseling Is Helpful To Many Couples

By Harriett Crosby


Relationship counseling and similar therapy sessions are typically overseen by practitioners who specialize in marriage and family counseling, or clinical social workers. Such services are often referred to as couples therapy or marriage counseling, depending on where such help is being sought. Most therapist of this type hold degrees in social work.

Essentially any couple can benefit from this type of counseling, whether they are married or simply in a long-term commitment. Couples may choose to go to therapy for a number of reasons. Some couples want to strengthen their bond and communication skills.

During times of crisis, many couples seek therapy. Others may be searching for direction regarding whether or not they want to remain married or stay in the relationship. Some couples go to counseling when they are planning marriage or a long-term commitment and wish to first resolve any existing conflicts. The goal of such counseling is to resolve negative issues.

Generally speaking, it is best for each partner to attend the session together. Some individuals who have an unwilling partner may still seek therapy on their own. However, in order to obtain maximum benefits from the therapy, both partners should attend. The type of problems with which the couple are faced will dictate the kind of therapy program the professional chooses. For example, a couple may need help because of relationship infidelities, substance abuse or addiction, communication problems, issues with anger, or conflict concerning child rearing practices.

This kind of therapy may also be necessary where abuse is an issue. However, those in violent situations will have to take other steps as well. It is wrong to assume that a counselor can mend problems of this magnitude, but such a professional may be able to help a client who has recently ended an abusive partnership.

Even though the relationship is the primary focus of such therapy, individual problems are also addressed. For instance, if two partners are constantly arguing, one or both individuals may have issues with anger. If one partner is continuously stressed out, he or she may be afflicted with a disorder such as anxiety. Therefore, during each session, individual issues and problems are typically also addressed.

The topics addressed during such sessions will vary depending on the direction in which the therapist initially takes each appointment. The therapist usually determines this by asking questions during an initial consultation. He or she tries to discover underlying issues that are affecting each partner in a negative way.

Issues that can negatively affect a relationship include anger, holding grudges, inability to express oneself, poor communication skills, or underlying physical or emotional problems. The therapist will typically use his or her skills and training to keep the sessions on track and ensure that one or both partners do not give in to anger or emotional outbursts, which can undermine the therapeutic effects of each appointment.

Couples should choose a therapist with care when planning to participate in relationship counseling. There is a vast array of factors to which thought must be given in advance, including the qualifications of the counselor, whether the person takes except the couple's insurance plan, and the office hours of each prospective therapist. Ultimately, clients who want to improve their relationship are wise to seek therapy of this type.




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