When thinking about marriage counseling, you may wonder if it will help your situation.
Studies show that couples therapy can be effective for 70-75% of couples. Success is often seen in better relationship satisfaction, communication, and emotional closeness (Psychology Today). When couples therapy works there are many benefits. You will be able to talk without shut down or reaction. You will be able to resolve conflicts and feel loved and appreciated See more here.
Factors for Success
What makes couples therapy work for some and not others? There are three major factors to consider.
1. Partner Engagement
The first factor is how engaged both partners are. If you go to therapy wanting to learn and use new skills, you will see changes. But if you go to point fingers and wait for your partner to change first, therapy is likely to fail.
2. The Extent of Damage
Therapy might not work if one partner thinks too much damage has been done. Many partners wait too long to seek help, and by then, they may not want to try anymore. If you can’t find any reason to keep trying, couples therapy might not help.
3. The Therapist’s Role
Some couples go to counseling and don’t know what they are working on or what their goals are. This can happen if the therapist doesn’t lead well or lets the sessions turn into blame games.
If this happens, speak up.
Talk to your therapist about your treatment and what you should work on. If you don’t get clear answers, trust your gut. This doesn’t mean you should quit trying unless you fit into one of the categories where therapy is less likely to work.
Alternatives to Couples Therapy
If you’re not sure about trying couples therapy, discernment counseling might be a good alternative. This service helps you decide if you should try couples therapy or helps you get clear on whether to separate or divorce. You can read more about discernment therapy here.
Marriage counseling can be a powerful tool for couples looking to improve their relationship. Its success depends on how engaged both partners are, how much damage has been done, and the skill of the therapist.
By understanding these factors and considering alternatives like discernment counseling, you can make a more informed decision about the best path for your relationship.
If you need more guidance, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at 717-316-0257 or jessica@emergentrelationshipcenter.com. Alternatively, you can visit our contact page and submit the form. We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards a healthier relationship