When a couple is experiencing difficulties, they may turn to counseling as a way to resolve their issues. But what’s the difference between marriage counseling and couples therapy? How do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between marriage counseling and couples therapy, and help you decide which one is right for you and your relationship.
Couples Therapy vs Marriage Counseling
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling tends to be more of a broad approach that can be used for any type of relationship issue. Couples therapy focuses on helping couples identify and change negative patterns in their relationship. Couples counselors, much like marriage counselors, work with couples to help them improve communication, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution skills.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage Counseling focuses on helping couples resolve marital conflicts and improve their relationship. A marriage counselor works with married couples to help them communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.
What’s The Difference?
So, if you’re asking yourself “What’s the difference between marriage counseling and couples therapy?” here are some key differences:
If you and your partner have decided to seek counseling but you’re not sure which type of therapy is right for you and your relationship, it’s always a good idea to consult with a mental health professional to discuss your options.
Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling and couples therapy can both be effective ways to improve your relationship, so it’s important to choose the right type of therapy for your needs.
Marriage counseling focuses on resolving marital conflicts, while couples therapy is focused on helping couples identify and change negative or unhealthy patterns in their relationship, find realistic and practical solutions to their problems, and improve communication skills.
Couples therapy may also be recommended for couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties but are not considering divorce or a breakup. This type of therapy can help married couples who’re seeking marriage counseling learn how to handle conflict more constructively, communicate better, and make decisions together.
How Long Does Therapy Normally Last?
Marriage counseling is typically shorter in duration than couples therapy, as it is focused on resolving specific issues that are causing marital conflict. Couples therapy, on the other hand, is usually longer-term and focuses on helping couples improve their relationship on a more general level.
If you’re interested in couples therapy or couples counseling to help create a healthier marriage, give Mindflow Recovery a call today! Their marriage counselors and couples counselors are all licensed mental health professionals who can help you and your partner work through your challenges. Trustworthy and experienced, Mindflow Recovery is here to help!
What Percent of Couples Seek Counseling?
Couples counseling or therapy is often sought when a relationship is experiencing difficulties. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, about 50% of first marriages, 67% of second marriages, and 74% of third marriages end in divorce.
Given these statistics, it’s not surprising that many couples seek marriage counseling or couples therapy at some point in their relationship. In fact, according to a 2012 study, approximately 20% of couples seek professional help for their relationship problems.
What Are Other Types of Relationship Counseling?
Premarital Therapy
In addition to marriage counseling and couples therapy, there’s also such a thing as premarital therapy or counseling. Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that can help couples who are preparing to get married learn how to communicate effectively and resolve conflict. If you’re considering getting married, you and your partner may want to consider attending premarital counseling sessions together.
Family Therapy
Other types of relationship counseling include family therapy, which can help families resolve conflicts, and individual therapy, which can help individuals work through issues that are impacting their relationships.
No matter what type of therapy you choose, the goal is to improve communication, resolve conflict, and build a stronger, more supportive relationship. If you’re not sure what type of therapy is right for you and your partner, your best bet is to consult with a mental health professional who can assess your needs and make an educated recommendation.
At Mindflow Recovery, we offer both marriage counseling and couples therapy, so no matter what your needs are, we can help. Contact us today at 833-957-2690 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you build a stronger relationship!
When To See A Couples or Marriage Counselor
If you’re experiencing marital conflict, marriage counseling can help you resolve those issues. If you’re struggling with negative patterns in your relationship, couples therapy can help you identify and change those patterns. Whichever type of therapy you choose, make sure it’s right for you and your relationship.
If you’re not sure which type of therapy is right for you, consider meeting with a marriage counselor or couples therapist to discuss your options. Marriage counseling and couples therapy can both be effective ways to improve your relationship, so it’s important to choose the right type of therapy for your needs.
Whichever type of therapy you choose, make sure you’re comfortable with the therapist and that the therapy is right for you and your relationship. With a little help from an impartial third party and time to address communication issues and develop healthier patterns, you and your partner can have a terrific marriage!
Can Same-Sex Couples Attend Marriage Counseling or Couples Counseling?
Yes, marriage counseling and couples therapy are open to same-sex couples. In fact, many therapists specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients. If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, consider finding a therapist who specializes in working with queer clients.
No matter what type of relationship you have, marriage counseling or couples therapy can be a valuable way to address previous fights, discuss ways to keep from creating unhealthy patterns and examine any perceived relationship issues.
If you and your partner have decided to seek therapy, reach out to a Crownview marriage therapist today by calling 833-957-2690 to learn more about how they can help to make married life better for you and your other half.
What Types of Things Do You Discuss In Therapy?
In couples or marital therapy, you will talk about the things that are going on in your life and how they make you feel. You will also learn new ways of thinking and coping with difficult situations.
Some of the topics that you may discuss with a family therapist or marriage therapist include:
– How to communicate effectively with each other
– How to change behavior that’s negative
– How to deal with trust issues
– How to diagnose and treat substance abuse disorder
– How to support each other through difficult times or personal issues
– How to improve your sex life or sexual issues
– How to break unhealthy patterns
– How to deal with mental illness
– How to discuss your spouse’s behavior without criticism
– How to deal with past events or previous fights
Marriage counseling can help couples who are having difficulty communicating and need guidance in order to reduce conflict, deter aggressive behavior, and create rational solutions for you and your person. If you’re experiencing problems in your relationship or marriage, consider getting in touch with a licensed couples therapist at Crownview to discuss scheduling your first session.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an LMFT?
LMFT Stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A licensed marriage and family therapist is a professional who has completed an accredited master’s degree program in marriage and family therapy, as well as two years of post-graduate supervised clinical work.
What does marriage counseling consist of?
Marriage counseling generally consists of meeting with a therapist either individually or as a couple to discuss the current state of your relationship and identify areas that may need improvement.
Is a marriage counselor kind of the referee?
No, a marriage counselor is not a referee. A marriage counselor’s role is to help you and your spouse communicate more effectively and to find ways to work through your differences.
What are the success rates for marriage counseling?
The success rate for marriage counseling varies depending on the couple’s commitment to the process and willingness to change. Some studies suggest that marriage counseling can help up to 70% of couples improve their relationship.