Maybe you think couples counseling is something only the rich and famous can afford. Or maybe you think it’s something that could only happen after you’ve gone through a contentious divorce. The truth is couples counseling is for everyone.
Marriage and couples counseling is a great way to learn more about each other, your problems, and how to handle them. By seeking professional help for your marriage, you and your partner can gain new skills to deal with whatever life throws your way. However, despite the health benefits offered by marriage counseling, myths about counseling often dissuade couples from seeking treatment.
Marriage and couples counseling can be a wonderful thing, but much like anything, it comes with its share of myths and misconceptions. It’s human nature to want to believe the best about others, but that isn’t always realistic. We want to believe that people are good and decent, but that’s not always the case. It’s ok to acknowledge our faults but be careful of believing everything you hear. So, what are some of the most common myths about marriage and couples counseling?
Here Are Marriage and Couples Counseling Myths:
It Will Only Make Things Worse.
The professional counselors at CLC Counseling Center see many couples come into the office for relationship counseling. One of the most common myths we supposedly are told is “marriage and couples counseling will only make things worse.” The truth is, if you choose a qualified and experienced counselor, couples counseling could be extremely beneficial to your relationship. Therapy is a great “tool” for improving your relationship.
Relationship Is Too Far Gone.
All couples go through rough patches at some point, whether it’s an argument over money, difficulties with in-laws, or challenges with raising the kids. But, if you or your partner are dealing with more severe issues like addiction, depression, or substance abuse, it may be time to seek couples counseling.
It is for people who have marital problems.
Marital counseling is for any couple that wants to become better at communicating, understanding how each other thinks, and feeling more connected. With marriage and couples counseling, couples learn how to deal with daily stressors and work on building strong relationships. Marriage and couples counseling can help if there are problems between couples. But many people will say they don’t need any help because they have a “good marriage.” However, marriage counseling is for people who want to improve their marriage, and it is not just for people who have “problems.”
The Therapist Will Take Sides.
In a relationship, sometimes a problem or conflict surfaces. It’s often easiest to blame your partner or spouse for the problem or conflict. However, not all therapists are biased or put in one camp or another. Therapists who practice couples counseling are trained to listen first and then offer therapeutic suggestions based on what they learn. A therapist won’t tell you what to do or who to blame but instead will offer suggestions and tools to help you and your partner resolve the conflict.
The Best Couples Counselors Cost Too Much.
Most couples’ counseling is covered by insurance, but only a limited amount. If the counselor is not in-network but charges less, you can check with your insurer for coverage. Otherwise, it’s usually worth it to pay out-of-pocket for professional relationship counseling with a counselor you respect and who meets your needs.
Many people expect their marriage and family therapist to be nothing more than marriage counselors. However, this is not always the truth. While marriage counseling is one of the most common reasons that people seek therapy, marriage and family therapy (MFT) can also be very helpful for coping with other problems that often occur within a marriage or relationship. Therapists who specialize in MFT are trained to provide couples with skills for resolving conflicts, strengthening communication, and resolving other complex issues that can arise in their relationships.
Finding a reliable marriage counselor can be a stressful process. But before you sign on with a counselor, it’s important to do a bit of research on which type of professional is the right fit for your individual needs. Even though counseling has become more accessible in recent years, there are still many misconceptions about counseling in general—especially for couples.
