Stop the Cycle with Marriage Counseling
Initiating the discussion about marriage counseling often serves as a pivotal moment in a relationship. By that point, many couples have been unhappy and dissatisfied for an extended period of time. Any behavior that continues that long essentially becomes a habit, and the state of not relating to one another is habit of consistent behavior with no end in sight until someone takes the initiative to halt it in its tracks.
The sudden jolt that the habits and behavioral pattern has been stopped is more than enough to put all equilibrium aside and knock everyone off balance.
This is what Wes had to say:
We had been arguing and unhappy for so long that I realized it was just going to continue that way. Neither one of us wanted a divorce, but we had stopped being married at the same time. Everything was falling apart and I didn’t want to live that way anymore. I waited, stupidly, to see if Amy would bring up marriage counseling, but she didn’t. I finally brought it up myself. When I told her that I wanted us to get counseling, she just looked at me, stunned. I didn’t think she heard me, so I said it again. She just kind of quietly said “Okay. I’ll set it up.” We didn’t even argue in the days before our first session. I think we were both thinking about how it would change.
Marriage Counseling is a choice that has to be made by both parties involved, however, it takes someone to be first, to talk about it and to initiate that change.
Related Posts
- When is it Time to Stop Couples Counseling?
- Breaking the Addictive Argument Cycle
- Stop Dwelling on the Negative
- How to Stop and Smell the Roses
- Stop Living In Fear, Control Your Anxiety
Marriage counseling can assist by allowing both members of the couple to state their wants, needs and feelings in a neutral environment. The therapist will ensure that each partner’s voice is heard, and that the goals set are those that can be agreed upon by both partners. Only through enhanced communication skills and a commitment to listen to one another can real change happen. Sometimes, couples need help in acheiving this, when strong feelings influence behavior and conversation becomes unproductive. If given a chance, marriage counseling can be of benefit.