How does partnership counseling work?
The goal of partnership counseling, also known as marriage counseling, is to help couples learn more about each other and gain healthy problem-solving skills.The marriage counselor conducts an interview with both partners together or individually during the first few meetings. After that, the partners give their feedback. The couple can set therapeutic goals under the guidance of a counselor and develop a counseling plan so that everyone knows what to expect.
In partner counseling, positive results often depend on the motivation of the couple and commitment to the process. As treatment progresses, each partner can learn to listen and communicate better. Partners also learn how to support each other in new and more adequate ways. It is not uncommon for conflict to arise during a therapy session. The advisor will remain neutral and avoid taking sides. Some of the marriage counselors often offer additional individual sessions for each of the partners as a standard part of the treatment. Others offer individual sessions on request. Marriage counseling takes place once a week, the schedule can vary depending on the goals of the partner and involvement in individual work. Marital counseling is usually short-term, but ultimately depends on the couple’s commitment to the relationship growing and thriving.
Who are the couples who apply for counseling?
Any couple who in the history of living together have room to develop a relationship. Couples can seek counseling to resolve relationship problems, gain insight into the dynamics of their relationship, strengthen emotional connection, or find adequate ways to end their relationship. Premarital counseling is offered to individuals planning a wedding.
When is marriage counseling recommended?
Since all couples experience tension and conflict in their relationship, many are not sure when to seek help. Couples can seek counseling for a variety of issues including:
- Power struggles
- Communication problems
- Substance abuse
- Sexual dissatisfaction
- Financial problems
- Problems with anger
- Cheat
- Big life changes
- Frequent conflicts or high levels of stress
- Conflicts over adequate educational methods
Most partner counselors agree that it is best to seek marital counseling as soon as a disconnect between couples is noticed, it should not be delayed until the situation becomes a crisis. In many relationships, partnership counseling is not considered until a particular problem lasts an average of about six years. This delay can make connection recovery much more difficult.
Marriage counseling is also useful for partners who have decided to make decisions about the future of their relationship. Couples who are in a healthy relationship seek marital counseling to increase intimacy or find new ways to connect emotionally. Couples who have decided to divorce can ask for help in order to separate with mutual respect.
People who are planning a marriage can choose to seek premarital counseling. This type of counseling helps the couple to explore areas of conflict or concern that may be causing difficulties or dissatisfaction in the marriage. This type of counseling allows the couple to discuss differences of opinion, personal values and expectations. Premarital counseling can reveal a number of different issues that a couple would not otherwise discuss. This can be very useful as it allows the couple to assess whether they are in fact compatible for marriage.
Working hours
If you feel you need individual therapy, here we are:
- Monday-Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Weekend: Closed