Marriage Counseling
Currently, the western world has a divorce rate of close to 50%.
Some countries have an even higher rate. So why are we seeing an
increase in divorce and how can marriage counseling help save
marriage - yours and other peoples?
I think it's fair to say that the easier you make something the
more often it will occur. If it becomes more frequent it loses
its taboo and therefore becomes far more acceptable in society's
eyes.
My wife is from a divorced family. When she was a kid at school
she was in the minority and it was a stigma. Now, my children
are in the minority of those whose parents are still together.
Of course, one of the major impacts of divorce is on the family.
The impact on young children is often underestimated and we
should recognize that even though one in two marriages may end -
no matter how common, it doesn't reduce the impact on the family.
Marriage counseling is form of therapy and conflict resolution.
It is normally carried out by trained psychotherapist (though
not always). For it to work properly both parties need to
attend, though separate sessions will most likely be helpful.
If you are considering seeing a marriage counselor then here a
few points to consider and questions to ask to help save
marriage.
1. Is a first assessment session free? 2. How many times a week
are needed? 3. Do you need to pay after each session? 4. Is the
marriage counselor qualified? 5. Is the marriage counselor
recommended by someone you trust? 6. How long will each session
be? 7. Are you able to contact the marriage Counselor outside of
session times? 8. Will the sessions fit in with your work
schedule?
I am all for marriage counseling to save marriage, however, very
often people are being paid huge sums to point out the
blindingly obvious. In fact a lot of issues are screaming out to
be noticed and normally have been by friends and family.
Of course, having an independent ear can be very useful - but
you can achieve a huge amount yourself. With the right
techniques, you can actually conduct your own marriage
counseling.
(c) Copyright 2005 Steve Holloway