Types of Marriage Counseling

The love between a couple can be tested and challenged during the course of a marriage. Counseling can save a struggling marriage. It can also help identify issues in a marriage that, if left unaddressed, could lead to divorce. Some of these issues could involve financial stress, extramarital affairs or lack of compatibility. The counselor will work with the couple and others involved to set up a schedule.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling focuses on the two parties involved in the marriage. Here is where each partner can talk about the good and the bad. The counselor encourages free, but constructive communication between the two. Couples counseling can be used in combination with individual, family, and group counseling.

Individual Counseling

Sometimes during marriage counseling one partner might seem to be overpowered by the other in the exchange of thoughts and ideas. If one or the other partner appears to be submissive during the conversation, refuses to address issues, is overly aggressive, or deceitful the counselor might determine that one-on-one counseling could be more effective. This allows each person to be honest with the counselor without fearing their partner's reaction. This can be helpful in situations where mental or physical abuse is suspected. The counselor might decide that family and group counseling can be beneficial as well.

Family Counseling

Family counseling includes the immediate family. The counselor will gauge the reactions of not just the couple, but the children as well. All members of the family are encouraged to speak out during these sessions. The counselor will gain a better understanding of the family dynamic and the couple will see how their arguing affects the household. Family counseling can also be used in combination with couples, individual, or group counseling. The counselor will determine the best form of counseling after meeting with the family.

Group Counseling

In group counseling, several couples come together. The counselor leads discussions focusing around issues affecting each marriage. He would have pinpointed these issues in previous individual or couple sessions. Group counseling is commonly used after couples counseling and may be used in conjunction with individual and family counseling as well.

Pre-marriage counseling

Some couples seek counseling before they get married. The counselor will discuss their plans about careers, children and money management. The goal of pre-marital counseling is to determine if there are any significant differences in lifestyle that should be addressed before the wedding ceremony. Some churches require pre-marital counseling before permitting a couple to be married in the church.