Marriage Counseling Services - What Are Its Types?
There are numerous marriage counseling services at your disposal, whether you’re newly married or a seasoned veteran. Sometimes there are obvious signs of trouble, such as drug or alcohol abuse, sex addiction or physical abuse. These dire situations will not benefit from basic counseling for couples, but rather demand a more specialized program with licensed professional counselors who are trained to deal with these situations. For couples who simply feel their happiness waning, there are other marriage therapists available.
For many middle-aged couples, the arguments revolve around finances, careers and kids. If you or your spouse have debt problems, are big spenders or argue over who wields the power of the purse, then perhaps credit counselors can help eradicate the source of your frustration. Often, when we’re strapped for cash, we begin to act out of character and we may begin to communicate poorly because we’re afraid to face the facts. Prioritizing becomes exceedingly difficult if you are living penny to penny.
Additionally, career counselors can sometimes offer counseling for marriage. There may be arguments over retiring, changing jobs, re-entering the workforce after child rearing or not making a stable income. Lastly, disagreements over child rearing can tear at the very fabric of a marital bond, leaving the children to become the unfortunate casualties of such squabbles. A specialized family marriage counselor can help readjust your attitudes and focus, thus arming you with better parenting skills and unified goals.
For the worst situations, marriage counseling services must be specialized. There is precious little that someone who is trained in counseling for couples can do if one of the partners is beating the other mercilessly night after night. Instead, abuse counselors will work with the individual to find the triggers of this rage, teach other coping skills and help a person overcome their violent tendencies. The abused may then seek separate mental health counselors to overcome residual feelings of powerlessness, fear, resentment and self-blame. Once each person finishes extensive treatment, they may be ready for therapy aimed at couples to address communication barriers. Similarly, situations that become destructive due to one person’s alcohol or drug abuse issues will require rehabilitation counselors before counseling for the couple may begin.
Online marriage counseling services are available for those who don’t have the time or the gumption to go to actual sessions. The cost of online therapy with licensed counselors may be $2/minute, which is comparable to the cost of a normal session or they may charge a one-time fee for materials like quizzes, books and skill building presentations. You may be able to email licensed counselors, participate in video conferences or gain access to local resources. These treatments are not as effective as face-to-face counseling for a couple but are better than nothing, if time or money is limited.