Starting any type of therapy can feel daunting but starting marriage counseling can feel even more daunting and certain ideas about it don’t help. What pops into your mind if you hear of a couple you know going to marriage counseling? Oh no, they must be in trouble. Did he or she cheat on him? Are they going to get divorced? There is fear, doubt, and uncertainty. What if your partner asks you to go to marriage counseling? How will that make you feel? While you may be relieved or excited to go to marriage counseling because it can give you hope that your relationship can get better, however, your partner may feel worried or scared. It makes a lot of sense to feel both ways about it. There are many myths or misconceptions about going to marriage counseling. Let’s try and tackle those myths and debunk them so you and your partner can feel more comfortable about going to couples therapy.
5 Common Myths About Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling is only for couples who are on the brink of divorce.
This is far from the truth. Couples counseling can help couples at any stage of their relationship whether they are dating, premarital, or have been married for many years, Marriage counseling can help couples address both minor or major issues. Also if a relationship has hit a snag or maybe the couple is feeling disconnected, this is a good time to come for marriage counseling.
Marriage counselors will take sides or blame.
As a marriage counselor, I would facilitate communication and understanding between both partners, not assign blame or take sides. I will remain neutral and help you resolve your differences. Plus, I want you to feel heard and understood by me, it is important for the therapeutic relationship.
Couples therapy costs too much and it will take a long time for things to get better.
Divorce is much more expensive and has greater negative consequences. Instead of looking at it as being a cost, think of it as an investment for your marriage and your happiness. Therapy does take time and effort. But most couples report feeling better after 2-3 sessions because they are beginning to talk about their feelings and feel heard by the therapist and by their partner.
My spouse will never change.
It is hopeless. You may feel that way because you have tried to fix things on your own and nothing has worked. You have tried talking to your spouse, telling them what you need, fighting about it and they still won’t change. So how can a marriage counselor help? A marriage counselor will be a neutral party and help both you and your partner feel heard and understood. By improving your communication pattern, you and your partner will learn better ways to talk to each other and that will bring about change, or help you both get your needs met.
What will my friends and family think of us if we go to marriage counseling?
There should be no shame in getting help for your marriage and wanting to improve your relationship. Unfortunately, there is still some stigma about going to marriage counseling. However, it is a private matter and you do not have to share that with anyone. On the other hand, if you open up about it to family and friends, you might be surprised to learn how many couples have been to therapy or go to therapy, and you can get some support from them.
Demystify Marriage Counseling by Working with a Marriage Counselor in Boca Raton, FL Today.
Don’t let these myths about marriage counseling stop you from getting the help your relationship needs and deserves. You don’t have to suffer alone. Marriage counseling is effective, and a safe place for you and your partner to address any issues you are having together. Hopefully, this article helped you dispel any myths you had about marriage counseling so you are now free to go forward, make an appointment, and start reaping the benefits!
- Learn more about our team of therapists here.
- Fill out our convenient online contact form.
- Begin your journey to healing.
Other Mental Health Services Offered at Heart Connection Center in Boca Raton, FL.
In addition to Couples Therapy, Heart Connection Center offers a wide variety of mental health services to meet you wherever you are at in your life. These include Women’s Counseling, Men’s Counseling, Anxiety Treatment, Child and Teen Counseling, Depression Treatment, and Intensive Couples Counseling. We also offer our services in an online therapy format as well.
