Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in Chicago, IL is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within Marriage counseling include:
- Jealousy
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Opposing values
- Different visions for the future
- Disagreements in parenting
- Lack of trust
- Financial distress
- Sex issues
Marriage counseling works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular marriage counseling sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.
On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.
Marriage Therapy—Counselors and Therapists in Chicago, IL
Many married couples seek out help during those harder times and work with a marriage and family therapist to help them learn how to relate in healthier ways. If you’re looking to prioritize your relationship in new ways, the marriage counselors at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL can help. Reach out today to start turning your relationship challenges into opportunities for growth.
When Should We Go to Marriage Counseling?
This is a common question that spouses ask, and in many ways, there is no right answer. Many spouses go to couples counseling when they have run out of other options for helping their relationship. Some people go to marriage therapy when troubles first arise. Others decide to schedule a therapy session when they are facing particularly difficult circumstances, like a death in the family, a move to a new city, or financial difficulties.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are a few reasons why couples people to pursue relationship counseling.
- You dislike your spouse. Whatever the circumstances may be, if negative feelings about your spouse are present, a marriage therapist can help you work through them.
- You do not feel anything about your spouse. Sometimes, spouses are furious and negative emotions are raging. At other times, spouses are ice cold toward each other. When spouses are willing to identify the root causes of this stonewalling, they may be able to change the way they relate to each other and rekindle the passion.
- It feels like each spouse is living a completely separate life. Living separate lives is not the same as living busy lives or having unique interests. Marriage counselors can work with couples, helping them re-prioritize the relationship and finding new ways to connect.
- Ongoing relationship problems are making life harder. When ongoing issues escalate to make life more difficult for one or both spouses, it may be time to reach out for help. In particular, when spouses begin attacking each other instead of the problem, this is a sign they may need help to resolve the issue.
- You think it might help. Mental health care depends greatly upon how much clients are willing to put into it. If you are open to change and are ready to try a new strategy, it may be time to see a marriage therapist.
Scheduling Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL
If you or your spouse thinks it is time to reach out for help, consider reaching out to schedule a marriage therapy appointment at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL. We have friendly scheduling specialists ready to answer your call and help you make an appointment that fits your schedule.
New clients often can have their first appointment within the week of their first call. When it is time to start, why wait weeks to meet with a therapist? We know that life is busy so we offer weekend and evening sessions and even remote therapy opportunities. We also accept many forms of insurance.
At Thriveworks, we believe your energy should go toward improving your marriage, not scheduling therapy. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks in Chicago, IL today to get started.
