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Marriage is a journey that often comes with its share of joys, challenges, and everything in between. It’s a beautiful covenant between two people, but as any couple will tell you, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. As the storms of life roll in, the once calm waters of marriage can become turbulent and it can feel as if the relationship is veering off course. In such moments, seeking help through marriage counseling can be the beacon that guides you back to calmer waters.
However, seeking marriage counseling isn’t always an easy decision. For many married couples, there is still a fear or stigma associated with reaching out for professional support. This fear can stem from many places – societal misconceptions, worries about judgment, or even unease of opening up to a stranger about such personal matters. While all of these concerns are understandable, giving credence to them can serve as a barrier to receiving the help couples facing marriage challenges may need.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant to seek marriage counseling to help you navigate through rocky waters, rest assured that you’re not alone. The benefits of marriage counseling are endless, but in order to experience them you must first overcome the fear of seeking help in the first place.
The Stigma Around Marriage Counseling
Inviting someone into your relationship to help mediate arguments or identify areas for improvement can feel scary and requires a lot of vulnerability. For some, that can also come paired with a fear of judgment. However, marriage counseling can serve as a safe space to walk through difficult conversations and feelings you and your partner can’t seem to navigate on your own. A trained counselor should be able to act as a support system for both partners as you seek understanding and growth.
(Keep reading for tips on how to find the right marriage counselor.)
Another common stumbling block for others is the misconception that only couples with “serious” problems seek marriage counseling, but this is just simply not true! Our team of counselors help married couples navigate through a wide range of conflicts and patterns. Overall, the goal of family therapy is to help couples implement better communication tools and establish healthier relationship patterns.
Benefits of Marriage Counseling
It’s not uncommon for married couples to face trials or tribulations and if left unresolved, it can lead to an unhappy relationship or divorce. Thankfully, tools such as marriage counseling greatly increase the chance of working through conflict and result in a stronger bond. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, over three-fourths of clients who receive marriage and family therapy report an improvement in their relationship. Here are just a few of the other benefits couples can experience by seeking counseling for their marriage:
- Improved communication
- Breaking hurtful patterns
- Greater emotional resilience
- Growth as individuals
- Developing effective coping skills
- Restored trust
- Reignited intimacy
Marriage counseling can be an incredibly effective resource for couples seeking ways to strengthen or repair their relationships. It can provide the tools needed to effectively communicate and build a mutually rewarding relationship!
Finding the Right Marriage Counselor
Choosing a marriage counselor can be an intimidating task. Just because an individual refers to him- or herself as a “counselor” does not mean that they are properly trained. They must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Additionally, if you are specifically looking for a marriage counselor you may want to search for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT). These professionals have specialized training in helping couples navigate through conflict and miscommunication.
It’s also important to find a therapist that you and your partner both trust. Vulnerability is key for successful marriage counseling so both of you need to feel comfortable sharing feelings of frustrations and hurt.
Our team of counselors at Vine Life Counseling are dedicated to supporting married couples learn valuable skills in a safe space where no one is treated like the problem partner. We seek to establish trusting relationships with our clients and empower you to better understand each other. You can read more about each of our counselors here.
Taking the First Step
If you believe your marriage could benefit from counseling, we encourage you to first begin by discussing it with your partner. Explain why you want to seek professional help and try to openly communicate how you are feeling. Then, you can begin your search for a trained therapist. Thankfully, virtual counseling has made services more accessible across the country! Vine Life Counseling, for example, offers virtual marriage counseling in the United States or in-person in Phoenix.
Seeking marriage counseling for your relationship is a positive and proactive step towards healing! Establishing a healthy foundation for your marriage now can lead to better communication, increased intimacy and many years of happiness in the future. Start your journey toward healing today by booking an appointment with Vine Life Counseling.