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 Salem, MA work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.
Salem Marriage Counseling—Counselors and Therapists in Salem, MA
Marriage is the ultimate commitment. It’s a promise to stand by your partner’s side through all of life’s challenges. If you’re on this page, you’ve likely already made this commitment and might even be questioning it—especially if you and your spouse are struggling to work through a conflict or see eye-to-eye. If this is the case, you’ve come to the right place.
Call our office today at (978) 637-8213 to schedule your session today.
How Can Marriage Counseling Help?
Thriveworks Salem Counseling is here to reassure you that marriage counseling can help. It can help you and your spouse work through current challenges, prepare for future ones, and make informed decisions about your relationship’s future. In some cases, couples may decide they are better off apart, and a marriage counselor can support them through an amicable separation.
What to Expect in Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling is a form of psychotherapy where both partners are encouraged to attend sessions together. However, in some cases, one partner may be hesitant or refuse to attend, and the counselor may find it beneficial to meet with each person separately.
The primary goals of couples and marriage counseling are to educate participants and provide them with tools to manage relationship conflicts. Skills and techniques taught include:
- Emotional control
- Improved listening skills
- Negotiation techniques
- Conflict de-escalation
Sessions typically last between 45-90 minutes, depending on the therapist and the needs of the participants. There are no strict guidelines on how long couples should attend counseling; some may see improvement in a month, while others may require more time.
Are We Better Off Apart?
If you and your spouse are at a crossroads, you might wonder if marriage counseling is worth the effort. It’s important to know that salvaging a relationship at all costs is not always the best course of action. Sometimes, parting ways amicably is the best conclusion for a couple.
Marriage counseling can help couples decide whether reconciliation is possible or if ending the relationship amicably is the best option. A knowledgeable therapist can facilitate both scenarios and help lessen the chances of permanent fallout following a separation.
Work with a Marriage Counselor at Thriveworks Salem Counseling
At Thriveworks Salem, we believe that seeking professional support from a couples therapist or marriage counselor is always a positive step. It shows that both partners are willing to work toward a happier future, irrespective of the final outcome.
Call Thriveworks Salem Counseling at (978) 637-8213 to get started.
