What to Expect From Marriage Counseling

Oct 11, 2021

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Originally Posted On: https://hosbeg.com/what-to-expect-from-marriage-counseling/

Are you worried that your relationship might be on its last legs? Before you give up, you should know that marriage counseling is estimated to have a 75% success rate and may be the perfect solution for your needs.

Starting counseling can be a scary process. That’s why we’ve designed this article to walk you through what you can expect from your therapy sessions.

Keep reading to find out more!

The First Session Is Pretty Simple

If you’re thinking of starting couples therapy, you might feel a little nervous about the first session. Don’t worry, it’s a lot more straightforward than you’re probably expecting.

First, your counselor will introduce themselves and talk a bit about their credentials. This is to put you at ease and let you know that you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing.

Next, you’ll answer some basic questions about your relationship history. Your counselor will likely ask how you met, how long you’ve been together, and what inspired you to seek out a marriage counselor.

Expect to answer some questions about your individual concerns, too.

Before your first session, try checking out the practice’s website for more info. The site for The Naya Clinics, for example, lists all of its services and specialties.

It Can Get Uncomfortable, But That’s Okay

Did that last sentence make your heart drop? Being emotionally vulnerable isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — especially if you’re having troubles with your partner and you don’t want to make them upset.

But that’s okay! Sometimes it’s important to push through the emotional barriers and unpack all of that mental baggage. It’s after these tough moments that the biggest breakthroughs occur.

Tensions will certainly run high during certain parts of your counseling, but it’s important to think of your counselor as a moderator. They’re not there to tell you who is wrong and who is right. In fact, they’re not there to judge you as a couple at all.

Instead, it’s their job to give you the tools and coping mechanisms to try and come together.

If you have concerns about your partner’s behavior that you’re not comfortable sharing when they’re in the room, you can always contact your counselor or schedule a one-on-one session.

Expect Accountability

Part of your therapist’s job as a moderator is to call you or your partner out (in a polite way, mind you) if you’re not doing the work or if you’re disrespectful to your partner. The only way you’ll make progress is if you put in the time and effort that therapy requires.

When a therapist offers a gentle reminder, it’s not their intention to scold. They just want you to get everything out of counseling that you possibly can.

You’ll Have Homework

Relationship problems don’t go away overnight, and you’ll often leave a counseling session with a specific goal or set of assignments.

For instance, you may be asked to write a love letter to your partner that they can read during tough times or to try little things around the house to make your partner feel appreciated.

It’ll take a conscious effort sometimes, but it’s always worth it.