So you have made the decision to get marriage counseling to improve your relationship. That was a brave and admirable decision! To make the most of your marriage counseling sessions, there are a few important steps you should take before entering the counselor's office. For your help, Advent Counseling, the best marriage counseling service provider in Marietta, Woodstock, and Smyrna, has created ten simple steps that you can follow to successfully complete this journey.
1. Open Your Hearts and Minds
We start with mental adjustments. It is normal to have preconceived ideas about therapy, but it is essential to keep an open mind. Leave any stigma or misunderstandings behind you. Keep in mind that therapy is about growth, learning, and self-awareness for both you and your partner. With marriage counseling tips, you will both have a chance to evolve and improve your relationship.
2. Get Help When You Need It
Unlike popular belief, getting couples counseling advice does not mean you have to be on the edge of your marriage. In fact, it is best to get help as soon as possible. Do not wait until everything seems hopeless. Whether you are having difficulties with intimacy or communication or you just want to lay a stronger foundation, get help quickly.
3. Set Your Goals Together Clearly
Setting clear goals is one of the most important parts of marriage counseling. Sit down with your partner and talk about the goals you both have for therapy. Your therapist will be able to better meet your needs if you specify your goals. It can be that you want to improve your communication, settle disputes, address particular issues like parenting or financial stress, or something else.
4. Remember That It Is a Team Effort
It is easy to start believing that therapy will change your partner for the better. Actually, couples therapy involves looking at your relationship as a whole. It is a chance for you to study how each of you contributes to the problems you are experiencing. Instead of blaming each other, focus on your own growth and openness to change.
5. Talk About Your Privacy Preferences
Privacy is a matter of perspective, and couples have different choices for how much information they want to share in counseling. Talk openly with your partner about how comfortable you are discussing this experience with others. Keep in mind that your therapist is required to maintain confidentiality and protect your right to privacy, except for some situations involving safety.
6. Make Time for Regular Sessions
True change needs time. Be ready to commit yourself to a consistent presence for a period of time, often 3-6 months or more. Do not expect immediate fixes. Give the process the time it needs to help in your mutual growth and relationship strengthening.
7. Reflect On Your Sessions
Spend some time after your first therapy session reflecting on what you talked about both individually and as a group. Try not to leave quickly for other engagements. This period of reflection helps you both go through your emotions, ideas, and learnings from the session, promoting cooperation and comprehension. I often encourage clients to go on a date before or after our meetings to insure a time just for them to do something they enjoy.
8. Complete the Important Paperwork.
Counseling needs paperwork, just like any medical appointment. Before your first appointment, make sure you fill out all the proper documents, including informed consent and privacy policies. You can begin therapy more easily if you do this. My forms are on a secure, HIPAA compliant platform and should be completed before our meeting, which saves you about 20 minutes at the office.
9. Honesty Is Key
The basis of successful therapy is honesty. Don't be hesitant out of fear of judgment. Therapists are trained to pay more attention to their patients' issues and offer advice and support. Being as truthful as you can is important for success.
10. Consider Individual Support
When you focus on your relationship, keep in mind the benefits of individual counseling. A few therapists provide both couple's therapy and individual counseling. For any personal difficulties that can have an impact on your relationship, this might offer important support. Keep these marriage therapy advice in mind and see how your marriage counseling sessions go. If you have more questions, contact Advent Counseling at 404-293-5654.
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