Relationship Counseling Is Helpful To Many Couples

By Harriett Crosby


Therapy sessions such as relationship counseling are usually overseen by clinical social workers or therapists who specialize in family and marriage counseling. Such therapy is often called marriage counseling or couples therapy, depending on the area in which one lives. Most professionals of this kind hold social work degrees or degrees in talk therapy.

This type of counseling is beneficial to essentially any couple, whether married or cohabiting. There are many reasons a couple may decide to go to therapy. Some may want nothing more than to strengthen their communication skills and bond.

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 type of therapy may also be indicated in cases of domestic violence. However, other steps may have to be taken if a person is in an abusive situation. No one should assume that a counselor can fix such problems, but the latter may be able to help a person who has just ended a relationship where the abuse took place.

Even though such therapy centers on the relationship, it also focuses on each individual's needs as well. For instance, if constant fighting is a problem for a couple, anger issues may need to be addressed for one or both partners. If one individual is continuously upset, he or she may have an anxiety disorder. For this reason, individual problems and struggles must also be addressed throughout the course of therapy.

The subject addressed throughout each appointment will vary depending on what the therapist feels is best for the couple. The counselor typically discovers this by asking questions at an initial consultation. The therapist will then attempt to uncover underlying problems that are negatively affecting each partner.

Problems that can affect a relationship in a detrimental way includes underlying emotional or physical problems, poor communication skills, inability to express oneself, holding grudges, and anger. The counselor will usually utilize his or her training and skills to ensure the sessions stay on track and prevent one or both partners from giving in to emotional outbursts or anger, the latter of which can undermine the benefits of each session.

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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