If you have ever asked yourself, “Do we need marriage counseling?” then that is a pretty good indication that you should pursue that thought.
I believe that dedicating time to improving your relationship can be beneficial for every couple. Seeking guidance from a professional marriage therapist can help you develop the best possible relationship.
Romantic relationships are one of those things that few of us receive any training in. The only knowledge we have comes from watching our parents and other couples, and our own past romantic relationships. Most of the time, those are not the best teachers.
Yet there is often a lot of hesitation and shame associated with couples counseling. We are afraid of what others will think if they find out we are seeing a marriage therapist. Or maybe there is the fear that marriage therapy won’t work. It is a big investment – in time, money, and emotional energy. “Do I really want to invest so much when I’m not sure really we need marriage counseling or that it will help?”
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you ponder whether or not your relationship could benefit from couples counseling.
How do I know if we need marriage counseling?
- Do you and your partner get stuck in your interactions and not know how to overcome the disconnection?
- Have there been any deep emotional hurts such as pornography, infidelity, addiction, or absence during a time of great need, such as after a miscarriage or losing a parent?
- Have you been disillusioned with the idea of marriage and what you thought romantic love would look and feel like?
- Do you feel sad, alone, or inadequate?
- Do you have an otherwise great marriage but feel there is potential for a stronger connection and deeper bonding?
- Have you or your spouse experienced any trauma or abuse?
- Is there sexual disconnection that you don’t know how to move past?
- Have you ever considered that life would be better if you were not together?
- Have you read any books on improving your relationship and felt the information wasn’t sufficient to help you achieve what you are looking for?
The good news is that we know and understand romantic love. It is not a mystery anymore. It is not a fairy tale idea that we have to grow out of now that we are adults. It is real and it is possible!
If you find yourself considering marriage counseling, even if it’s just a passing thought, I encourage you to reach out for a consultation and see if marriage therapy is right for your situation.
Invest in what matters most! As you work through disconnection and distress, you can create a strong foundation built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. By learning how to create a relationship that is both lasting and authentic, you can experience the kind of love that feels like a fairy tale but is grounded in reality.
