Is Marriage Counselling Right for You

1. Is Marriage Counselling Right for You? Marriage counselling brings partners together in mutual understanding Most married couples experience a rift in their relationship at some time or another. Often the rift comes as a shock as partners realise they have lost what they once had. While some may try to heal the rift on their own, many seek marriage counselling to help them come together again in a way that recognises each partner’s individuality as well as the reality of their life together. What is marriage counselling? Marriage counselling involves a qualified, trained therapist who can provide a safe space where partners can be open and honest with each other without fear of reprisal or punishment. The marriage counsellor or therapist helps the couple to find more effective ways of communicating, better ways of understanding themselves and each other as well as techniques to handle conflict. Why do people come to marriage counselling? A feeling of having drifted apart or moving in opposite directions may bring a couple to marriage counselling. There may be persistent arguments or conflicts over money, children, work or any other important area of concern. Most often, the partners find themselves feeling angry, frustrated or resentful in the relationship. In all cases, seeking marriage counselling is positive and affirming step. How does marriage counselling work? The aim of marriage counselling is to break negative patterns of communication and conflict and replace them with better ways of communicating, understanding one another and managing areas of conflict. Marriage counselling brings couples to a new point in their relationship where they can move forward with empathy and understanding. Does marriage counselling help problems with intimacy? A lack of sexual intimacy or sexual desire in one or both partners can be distressing. Problems with intimacy need to be handled respectfully and carefully by a qualified therapist. Therapists agree that often a lack of intimacy or sexual desire is a result of a lack of emotional closeness and difficulties with communication. Marriage counselling addresses these issues to help intimacy flourish again. Can you come to marriage counselling before you are married? Couples intending to marry may also attend marriage counselling. Known as pre-marriage counselling, the process helps the couple to be aware of their differences and respect each other’s individuality going into the marriage. It assists in developing positive communication skills and constructive ways of managing conflict. Couples find they are better prepared for their life together.

2. Can you come to marriage counselling if you plan to divorce? Occasionally, couples realise that the marriage is not working, and they decide they should divorce. This can occur before or during marriage counselling. The decision to divorce does not mean marriage counselling must end. Continuing with marriage counselling can help couples to calmly and amicably resolve the issues around the divorce. This is essential when children are involved. How do you begin marriage counselling? The first step is to find a marriage counsellor in your area. A marriage counsellor can be found by searching online or requesting a referral from a mental health professional, trusted friend or a counselling and therapy organisation. For example, in Isleworth, couples may contact The London Therapy Foundation for a referral to a qualified and experienced marriage counsellor in the area. What happens next? Initially, an appointment is made to discuss your needs as a couple and as individuals. The first appointment is also a good time to assess if the marriage counsellor is the right fit for you and your relationship. Marriage counselling can proceed over a fixed number of sessions or until the difficulties in the relationship have been resolved to the satisfaction of both partners. Remember, seeking help is an act of affirming the value of the relationship, not a sign of failure. About us: London Therapy Foundation (London Therapy Ltd) was established to provide the highest level of service of mental health care in the London area. As a collective of specialists across the therapy spectrum, its mission is to provide peace of mind to all those mentally, emotionally and spiritually in distress at affordable prices and without long waiting times. For practising therapists, LTF provides an environment in which to meet clients and share knowledge and advice with colleagues. The London Therapy Foundation aims to provide a sense of community both within the Centre and online for member therapists who also benefit from a range of professional services including CPD. For doctors and other care agencies, LTF provides a reliable centre of excellence for all patient referrals. For more information, please visit: http://londontherapyfoundation.com/.