Every year, thousands of couples seek out therapy in an effort to save their marriage. While counseling can be beneficial in many cases, it is not always successful. In some cases, the counselor may lack the skills and knowledge to effectively work with couples who have serious issues in their marriage. This can lead to a situation where the couple talks in shifts week after week without any progress being made.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help couples understand the problems they are facing and work towards a solution. Identifying unspoken and unrealistic expectations can help reduce conflict and allow the couple to discuss and plan their vision for a family. However, if one or both partners have “ended” the relationship, marriage counseling is not likely to be effective. It can also be difficult to convince your partner to start marriage counseling sessions.
If your partner is reluctant, it is important to understand the common anxieties and misperceptions that may be at work. Marriage counseling will not magically erase the past or fix any problem with little or no effort on your part. It should provide a safe space for both partners to express their thoughts and feelings and take turns expressing their thoughts. Rather than trying to change your partner through counseling, it is important to recognize your own behaviors in the relationship and look for ways you can change to improve your marriage.
Couples who are going through major problems and aren't getting along may believe that marriage therapy is the way to go. If you are having trouble convincing your partner that marriage therapy is a good idea, don't give up hope. Encourage them to keep trying and approach them with empathy. With the right attitude and effort, marriage counseling can be a healthy way to resolve problems in your marriage.
