Marriage counseling also called couples therapy is a psychotherapy that helps couples in a marriage to identify the problems in their relationship, resolve their conflicts, and improve their relationship. Marriage counseling gives couples the tools to communicate better, negotiate differences, problem solve and even argue in a healthier way. Marriage counseling can help couples at various stages of their relationship, such as premarital, post-marriage, family planning, and when kids are growing.
To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses. A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal. As you keep a daily log, you will begin to see patterns and common themes.
- You hardly speak to each other.
- You are talking, but it’s always negative.
- You are scared to speak.
- You restrict love and affection as punishment.
- You treat your spouse as an antagonist.
- You keep secrets.
- Have an extra-marital affair.
- You are financially unfaithful.
- Your married life lacks intimacy.
- You want your spouse to change.
- You are living separate lives.
For the first several sessions, the therapist will attempt to evaluate your relationship
- What Keeps you together.
- What Stresses your relationship.
- The nature of your conflicts.
- Behavioural and communication patterns.
- Your strengths and weakness.
- The power structure.
- What qualities are missing or dysfunctional in your relationship.
Based on the analysis the therapist will set realistic goals, which could be anything from learning how to be empathetic to figuring out new ways to negotiate problems to deciding how to share household and parental responsibilities.
