Couples / Marriage Therapy
Couples therapy (sometimes called marriage counseling) often helps couples of all types improve their relationship, but even successful therapy cannot guarantee specific results. During couples therapy, the interaction between partners is the focus of treatment rather than either of the individuals involved within the relationship. Communication concerns are commonly addressed in couple’s counseling but other aspects of the relationship may also be examined. Examples might include: financial struggles, alcohol or drug abuse, infidelity, concerns regarding children, sexual difficulties, future goals, emotional regulation, interaction styles, and appropriate boundary maintenance.
Couples counseling typically includes both partners, but sometimes one partner chooses to work with a therapist alone. Although repairing a relationship is more difficult when only one person is willing to go to therapy, that person can still benefit by understanding their interactions and responses within the context of their relationship.
Couples counseling can also benefit those who have not yet married to understand one another more deeply and to resolve differences prior to marriage.