Should we get marriage counseling? This is a question many couples face in their relationship. No matter how long you’ve been together, you’re going to face challenges in your marriage. Counseling can help you overcome those challenges and combat others in the future. In this guide, we will help you decide when to get marriage counseling.
When You Feel Like Arguments Aren’t Getting Resolved
One of the biggest benefits of marriage counseling is learning how to communicate with each other. Every person has a unique way of perceiving and conveying information. Sometimes it may feel like you and your spouse are speaking different languages.
Your marriage counselor can help you bridge the gap and create an open line of communication in your marriage.
If you feel like you have the same arguments over and over, marriage counseling can bring closure to them. If you feel like your arguments don’t officially ‘end,’ marriage counseling can fix that as well. Along the way, you will learn communication techniques that you can use time and time again.
During/After a Difficult Life Transition
Change is always stressful, especially when you face big milestones in your relationship. Changing jobs, buying a home, starting a family, or moving to a new city – these are just some of the transitions you may go through in your marriage. A counselor can help you manage the stress during and after these transitions, which will ultimately bring peace to your relationship.
When You Start Leading Completely Separate Lives
Feel like your spouse is just a roommate you share a closet with? It’s important to have independence in a marriage, but that should be balanced with a sense of togetherness. If you feel like you’re living separate lives, it’s time to talk to someone about it. There may be longstanding issues in your marriage that you’ve never addressed. You can resolve them through therapy. You can also find ways to rekindle the romance and re-strengthen your bond.
After Infidelity
Infidelity is a difficult obstacle to face, but it is not impossible to get through. If you are committed to working on your relationship after infidelity, seek marriage counseling. Your therapist can help you find the underlying issues that led to the infidelity. You and your spouse can rebuild your trust and address those issues in your relationship. It isn’t an easy battle, but thankfully, you don’t have to fight it alone.
When You Start Hiding Things from Each Other
Secrecy is a clear sign of marital issues. If you’re hiding money, conversations, activities, or anything else from your spouse, you need to ask yourself, “Why?” What makes you feel the need to keep that information from your spouse? Or, what made your spouse decide to keep information from you? Marriage therapy will encourage honesty in your relationship and resolve issues with mistrust.
There Is No Wrong Time to Get Marriage Counseling
You can seek marriage counseling at any time, even if you currently have no issues in your marriage. Counseling provides a safe, unbiased space to share your opinions and learn more about your spouse. Learn personalized communication strategies designed for your relationship, and gain valuable skills to keep your marriage going strong.
If you would like to get matched with a marriage counselor near you, contact Family Counseling Associates at (978) 222-3121. We have licensed marriage counselors in Andover MA, Danvers MA, and Bedford NH.