

{"id":6574,"date":"2016-03-07T11:25:36","date_gmt":"2016-03-07T11:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=6574"},"modified":"2023-03-24T11:42:34","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T11:42:34","slug":"learn-how-couples-counseling-can-be-used-as-preventative-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/learn-how-couples-counseling-can-be-used-as-preventative-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn How Couples Counseling Can Be Used as Preventative Maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6575 size-full\" title=\"Couples Counseling\" src=\"http:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/31.jpg\" alt=\"Couples Counseling\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples don&rsquo;t typically seek <strong>couples counseling<\/strong> or relationship therapy until their situation is catastrophic. Couples counseling is often the last resort for a couple in crisis. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stigma associated with needing <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"therapy for relationships\"}'>therapy for relationships<\/span>&nbsp;can prevent a great many couples from <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"going to couples therapy\"}'>going to couples therapy<\/span> right when the trouble begins, or even before problems begin, at all. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Also,&nbsp;<span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"when to go to couples counseling\"}'>when to go to couples counseling? And&nbsp;<\/span><span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"how to find a couples therapist\"}'>how to find a couples therapist?&nbsp;Are some questions that couples can find difficult to answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, every so often, brave couples come to <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"couples relationship counseling\"}'>couples relationship counseling<\/span>&nbsp;even when nothing is wrong. &nbsp;These couples seek to prevent rather than cure <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"early relationship problems\"}'>early relationship problems<\/span>. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Marriage requires a lot of meticulous planning for a couple to have a decent future. And no matter how much affection or love you have for one another, you are bound to have disagreements and differences.<\/p>\n<p>Though a lot of issues in marriage are usually not substantial enough to seek couples counseling, some of these issues can cultivate into common<span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"common long term relationship problems\"}'>&nbsp;long term relationship problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>So be it through&nbsp;<span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"online couples counseling\"}'>online couples counseling, marriage counseling before marriage, or just&nbsp;therapy for relationship issues it is always best to avail the<strong>&nbsp;benefits of couples counseling for relationship issues<\/strong> before things get out of hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To further validate the argument here are some reasons why seeking the <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"benefits of couples therapy\"}'>benefits of couples therapy&nbsp;<\/span>when nothing is wrong can be better than starting once problems have already begun or when it is <span data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":15105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"11\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":[null,2,0],\"15\":\"Calibri\",\"16\":11}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"too late for marriage counseling\"}'>too late for marriage counseling<\/span>:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict-is-always-obvious\"><\/span>Conflict is always obvious&nbsp;<b><br><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conflict is often so much more obvious to a bystander than to the parties involved. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/4-reasons-and-remedies-for-poor-communication\/\">Problems masked by poor communication<\/a>&nbsp;in a&nbsp; marriage or relationship&nbsp;<\/span>can make problem-solving very difficult as the couple fails to address their own concerns, let alone understanding their partner expectations.<\/p>\n<p>Consequently, as the problem starts to foster, the inability of a couple to communicate properly starts affecting other areas and aspects of their relationship.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, couples who seek out professionals to help them determine potential problems in the marriage that they might not even be aware are better equipped with handling conflicts in their relationship or marriage.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, not every couple needs a therapist to manage their problems, but having an objective third party in the room probably doesn&rsquo;t hurt. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You-get-an-%E2%80%9CA%E2%80%9D-for-effort\"><\/span>You get an &ldquo;A&rdquo; for effort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effort, alone, required to make it to couples counseling regularly<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;\"> can mean that couples are putting more energy and effort into the marriage and into problem-solving than couples that don&rsquo;t. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The idea of attending <strong>couples counseling for preventative maintenance<\/strong> rather than crisis control can be of enormous value. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/couples-counseling-and-why-its-so-important\/\">Making couples counseling a priority<\/a> can lead to feelings of teamwork and solidarity. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2644 size-full\" title=\"marriage counseling before marriage\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/things-marriage-counselors-do-to-strengthen-your-marriage.jpg\" alt=\"marriage counseling before marriage\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Life-is-a-mystery\"><\/span>Life is a mystery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With life&rsquo;s constant unpredictability, no couple can be truly safe from mishap or misfortune&ndash;the stronger a couple&rsquo;s foundation from the beginning, the better. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The couple that takes the time to have a structured check-in with each other, either weekly or on any consistent basis, could have an advantage at taking on life together and establishing feelings of safety and cohesion. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forever and ever is a long time, and anything can happen, so it&rsquo;s most likely something to prepare in advance. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that counseling is not only for couples in distress but also for couples who are happy with their relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn-new-tricks\"><\/span>Learn new tricks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Another benefit of early couples counseling is that you get to learn new tricks, quirks, and mannerisms.<\/p>\n<p>Apart from the obvious benefit of improved communication and learning conflict resolution, premeditated couples counseling can enhance other sections of your personal life. Some of them have been listed below:<\/p>\n<ul><li>A couples counselor or therapist can help you analyze your behavior patterns and identify what triggers such behaviors. Once such behaviors have been identified, you can now learn to control them.<\/li>\n<li>Helps you to set realistic expectation not just with your partner but with yourself as well. <strong>Couples counseling<\/strong> can help you to look inwards and address your own demons and incompletions in life.<\/li>\n<li>You learn to be accountable for your own actions and create a more realistic picture of your relationship.<\/li>\n<li>It deepens the intimacy that you share with your partner. You can learn new ways to win your partner&rsquo;s affection, and they can learn to do the same for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"-Finding-the-right-therapist\"><\/span>&nbsp;Finding the right therapist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a couple, if you are open to the idea of seeking couples counseling before facing an existential crisis, that would definitely help you to strengthen your marriage.<\/p>\n<p>But one of the biggest causes of concern for a couple <strong>pursuing couples counseling<\/strong> is finding the right counselor or therapist. Let me help you through that conundrum.<\/p>\n<p>Follow these steps as a guide for finding the most appropriate and fitting counselor:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 1 &ndash; Starting the search<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a very key step towards finding a good couples counselor. You can start by asking your friends and family for recommendations; this would be the most sought out way as you would de getting the feedback from someone you can trust.<\/p>\n<p>If asking recommendation is not favorable for you, you can look through specialized and credible directories such as:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"CMY_Link CMY_Redirect CMY_Valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marriagefriendlytherapists.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-ordinal=\"1\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-component=\"link\">National Registry of Marriage-Friendly Therapists,&nbsp;<\/a>The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (<a href=\"https:\/\/iceeft.com\/find-a-therapist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-ordinal=\"2\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-component=\"link\">ICEEFT<\/a>), and&nbsp;The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamft.org\/\/imis15\/AAMFT\/Content\/Directories\/Find_a_Therapist.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-ordinal=\"4\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-component=\"link\">AAMFT<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>You can also resort to looking for help through the internet. However, this should be your last resort.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2- Look for the right qualification and experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If not already provided, ask for the counselor&rsquo;s educational qualification to gauge how equipped they can be to address your concerns.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to&nbsp;professional training, ask about professional experience. Opting for a counselor with a significant amount of experience can be essential, as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3- Essential counselor attributes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This step would help you get a better understanding of what qualities and characteristics you must look for when <strong>choosing a couple&rsquo;s counselor.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Start by asking probing questions, what are their belief systems, if they are married or not, if they have been divorced, if they have kids,&nbsp; etc.<\/p>\n<p>Such questions would help you to identify how compatible you would be with your counselor.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Couples don&rsquo;t typically seek couples counseling or relationship therapy until their situation is catastrophic. Couples counseling is often the last resort for a couple in crisis. The stigma associated with needing therapy for relationships&nbsp;can prevent a great many couples from going to couples therapy right when the trouble begins, or even before problems begin, at all. &nbsp; Also,&nbsp;when to go to couples counseling? And&nbsp;how to find a couples therapist?&nbsp;Are some questions that couples can find difficult to answer. However, every so often, brave couples come to couples relationship counseling&nbsp;even when nothing is wrong. &nbsp;These couples seek to prevent rather than <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":6575,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[2667],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6574"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42829,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574\/revisions\/42829"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6574"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}