How to Get Professional Help for a Marriage

Marriage can be a pressure cooker in a hectic, fast-paced society. It has been estimated that 50% of all first marriages end in divorce, and the odds are higher for second and third marriages. Before you throw in the towel, consider some ways to get professional help for your marriage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide that your marriage is worth saving. Nothing ever changes without first making a decision. You'll never follow through to get professional help for your marriage until you decide that it's worth the effort.
2. Put aside any feelings of embarrassment or humiliation. Everyone could probably us help in their marriage at one time or another. Getting professional help is a wise choice, and it takes courage and strength to admit that you need help and then to seek out that help.
3. Consider your local church or synagogue, if applicable for your situation. Members of the clergy are trained for family and marital counseling. Their code of ethics requires them to maintain confidentiality. Most offer free services for their members, so don't overlook your local religious body when seeking help.
4. Look in the phone book for family counseling services. Professional counselors and family psychologists offer private sessions and group counseling. This route can be expensive, but you really can't put a price tag on saving a marriage. Check out the professionals in your area. Their help can be invaluable.
5. Check with your employer or your spouse's employer to see if they offer family counseling services. Many companies have a department that serves strictly to help families in crisis situations. Many will help in any way they can to see that you get professional help.
6. Look to your local bookstores for help. You will find whole sections devoted to marriage and relationships. You'll find a wealth of material in both the secular and religious areas, written by qualified professionals. There's nothing like a good book and the privacy of your own home. You can read at your own pace, learn and apply what you learn to your situation.
7. Learn what love really is. Love is not a feeling. Feelings come and go on a daily basis. You can feel madly in love one minute and just feel mad the next. Love is a decision to treat the other person with dignity, respect and care. Value your marriage and get professional help in some way. Don't wait until it's too late.