What Do Marriage Counselors Ask Couples?

Marriage counselors ask a lot of questions during the counseling process. However, there are a set of questions every counselor asks clients. Asking these special questions, ranging from marital to medical history, tells counselors a lot about their clients and serves as a guide to helping them get on the right track in their relationships.

Relationship Status

Marriage counselors always ask a couple about their marital status. Knowing whether a couple is engaged, dating or separated gives a counselor deeper insight into a relationship.

Marital History

Information about a couple's marital history helps marriage counselors assess what stage the relationship may be in and what challenges they may be facing. For example, helpful information includes knowing about a couple's previous marriage and if there are stepchildren involved.

Counseling Goals

During intake, counselors ask couples what they hope to accomplish during their sessions. Clearly defined goals increase the success rate of counseling.

Mental Illness

Knowing whether or not clients have been diagnosed with a mental illness helps with the counseling process. A marriage counselor must approach mentally ill clients differently than healthy clients.

Medical History

Sometimes health problems can affect a couple's relationship. Knowing what type of health problems clients have aids the counselor in teaching the couple coping techniques and strategies.

Children

Having children puts pressure on a marriage. If the couple was already having problems before having kids, then the pressure is greater because they haven't yet learned to deal with their marital issues.