Challenges are endless in a marriage. There are so many factors that work against us. There is raising children at a time when outside influences seem to have a more significant impact, meeting financial requirements when money doesn’t stretch as far, and for some, even having to look after an aging parent simultaneously. It’s no wonder the divorce rate is so high. All this can generate a lot of stress and conflict in a marriage. Sometimes things work out, but often they do not. Marriage counseling is a way to overcome these conflicts and learn hands-on strategies to heal and strengthen your relationship. It can improve communication between couples and help create better understanding.
Many marriages can benefit from counseling at various stages of their relationship. An ideal time is while engaged. Premarital counseling can prepare you for the bumps ahead. It can prevent so much heartache in the future. Another typical time when relationships are strained is when there are young children. There is so much to do, and it often feels like no time to connect with our partner. Empty nesting is another stage which can bring on a different set of challenges. You are finally alone and suddenly realize how much you have grown apart.
There are certain factors to consider when choosing a therapist:
Experience
Every couple has a unique set of challenges. It’s not one size fits all. Marriage counseling is personalized to address each couple’s concerns. Experience makes a difference. Your therapist must have a broad range of expertise to provide the direction and guidance you need.
Specialty
Marriage counseling and couple’s therapy are specialties. Therapists are not qualified to treat all emotional and psychiatric problems. It is crucial to find a therapist whose practice is focused on treating couples. There are treatment modalities that can make or break the process. Knowing these areas is essential and worth verifying when interviewing a therapist. What are those therapies? Check them out in the next point.
Type of Therapies
Drs. John & Julie Gottman and Drs. Harville Hendricks & Helen LaKelly Hunt are pioneers and internationally known leaders in the marriage counseling industry. They offer decades of proven strategies through The Gottman Method and Imago Therapy. Their approaches work to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions. The interventions are designed to increase closeness, deepen the emotional connection and create change. It transforms conflict between couples into opportunities for healing and growth.
Christian counseling offers a slightly different approach. It combines your faith with the principles of psychology to improve your mental health and relationship. It can be comforting to some to have a practitioner who shares in your faith.
Why choose my services if you are seeking online counseling in Bergen County?
I offer in-person and online counseling services. I can guide individuals or couples in resolving many relationship issues, from communication gaps to infidelity to conflict resolution and intimacy issues. I have over 20 years of experience. I provide marriage counseling, divorce prevention, premarital counseling, Christian counseling,
infidelity recovery and conscious uncoupling for those who choose to part ways. Feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.
