Can Couples Counseling be Enjoyable?
One of the areas of resistance for many individuals as well as couples when entering counseling is the concern that it will be drudgery. One will often paint an internal picture of painful, arduous work and upon completion, will feel “drained.” This can be the case, of course. Most people don’t relish the process of overcoming or undoing resistances, looking into a painful past and exploring dynamics that are keeping couples stuck. Why? Because ofter the pain is great. In addition, the ego comes into play. People are concerned about blame as opposed to responsibility.
And while the “work” aspect can be very real in counseling, there are often times it can be enjoyable, relieving and dare one say…fun? Let’s hear Katrina’s take:
Our couple’s counselor played this game with us…sort of a “Newlywed’s Game” where he asked us a question about something very specific to our partner and the other would have to answer. At first, I thought, ‘Come on…a game? Now? We’re almost ready to divorce!’ But by the end of it, we were laughing and making playful jabs at one another. I started crying actually because it was the first time I’d seen us enjoying one another’s company in a long, long time. Now I look forward to going there, because even if it’s hard, I know we’ll connect again. And laugh again…god, how great is laughter!
If you are thinking of individual or couples counseling and are concerned about the emotional difficulty, remember: it can be a place of solace and enjoyment as well. We all feel more at ease in atmospheres where we are totally accepted and can truly be ourselves.
