{"id":2008,"date":"2015-09-18T09:51:20","date_gmt":"2015-09-18T09:51:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=2008"},"modified":"2023-06-20T09:43:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T09:43:18","slug":"myths-and-facts-about-counseling-for-couples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/myths-and-facts-about-counseling-for-couples\/","title":{"rendered":"Myths and Facts About Marriage Counseling for Couples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Myths<\/p>\n

If you and your spouse have been having issues and struggles in your marriage, you may well have considered exploring the avenue of counseling for couples.<\/span><\/p>\n

But perhaps something is holding you back and you haven’t quite managed to pick up the phone and make the appointment yet. There are a lot of myths and facts about counseling that confuse people struggling with <\/span>relationship<\/span><\/a> challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is understandable, as the subject of counseling is fraught with misconceptions, prejudices and preconceived ideas, as well as some unwelcome stigmas attached to those who go for <\/span>couples counseling<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of these myths about counseling for couples can be dispelled by taking a good look at the facts as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Myth: Only mad or dysfunctional couples need counseling<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Fact:<\/b> While it’s true that “most” couples see a counselor when they’re struggling, there are many benefits to doing check-ins when things are going well to keep them going well. Many people also visit a counselor just to have a place to talk things out.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, <\/span>Relationship Enhancement (Ginsberg, 1997;Guerney, 1977)<\/span><\/a> is something that does not differentiate between prevention and treatment so it’s something that couples can take up to improve what they already have.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the benefits of marriage counseling is getting a safe environment to open up about your feelings and issues with the help of a<\/span> certified trained professional<\/span><\/a>, who will work with you and your spouse to solve the key issues straining your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

By seeing a counselor<\/a>, they are enabled to view their relationship from a clearer perspective and regain their functionality and optimal well-being.
<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Myth: Seeking help from a counselor is a sign of weakness<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Seeking<\/p>\n

Fact:<\/b> There is nothing wrong with approaching a counselor for help in matters of the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeking help from experts in the form of counseling for couples is not a sign of weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the contrary, opening up your heart, reliving the sensitive and painful experiences of life, and revealing your secrets to a stranger requires a lot of courage and mental strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

Such a step reflects your sense of responsibility towards your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at counseling as a sign of weakness or incapacity to resolve marital conflicts is one of the most prevalent  myths about counseling. It is acceptable if you are unable to resolve personal conflicts with your partner. You can either take help from your families and friends or look for advice from an expert.<\/span><\/p>\n

If seeking advice from your parents regarding personal issues is not considered a sign of ‘weakness’, then seeking the advice from a counselor shouldn’t be either.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even the best marriages require work, says former First Lady Michelle Obama whose relationship with Barack Obama is idolized by many. Watch what she has to say about going for marriage counseling in this interview:<\/span>