When I first started my practice, I remember reading a statistic about divorce that I found shocking. And that was that 40-50% of all marriages ended in divorce.
According to recent surveys, however, the divorce rate in the U.S. fell by 18% between 2008 and 2016. While everyone has their theory as to why the rate is falling, the theory among therapists is that it is because marriage counselling actually works, and more couples are giving it a try.
If you and your spouse are experiencing difficulties, here are some reasons why you should give marriage counselling a try:
Identifying Patterns
One of the biggest benefits of seeking counselling is having help seeing negative behavioural patterns, whether those patterns are yours as individuals and/or as a couple. Healing can only begin once patterns have been recognised.
Impartial Advice
A therapist is not like a friend or family member who is going to take sides and hand out potentially harmful advice. Relationship Therapists have a track record of dealing with all sorts of marital issues and want to understand what’s going on so they can offer the best strategies for healing.
A Safe Space
Relationship counselling offers both partners a safe space to be completely open and honest with their feelings. If not delivered in the right space, complete honesty can have adverse effects. Counselling offers a safe environment in which no one is ever judged.
A Place to Rebuild Trust
Trust is the bedrock of every relationship. But when that trust is broken, as it is through infidelity, it is hard to put the pieces back together. Relationship counsellors have years of experience dealing with issues of infidelity. Counselling and Therapy explore different ways to rebuild trust one step at a time.
Bringing Out Toxic Emotions
Did you know that trapped toxic emotions are one of the main reasons relationships break down? When you have feelings of anger, resentment and frustration locked deep inside you, they fester there and make matters worse. Counseling offers the space and opportunity to let these emotions out in healthy, respectful ways.
If your relationship is on the rocks right now, divorce is not your only solution. Thousands of couples have been helped by marriage counselling and it’s worth it to you both to give it a shot.
If you’d like to explore counselling, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.