Marriage Counseling for Today’s Couples
50 years ago, the way a married couple managed interpersonal problems was considerably different than today. A generation ago, one of the most common techniques for marital discord was avoidance! There was often a sense of shame or a “grin and bear it” attitude, where unhappy couples would “happily” stay unhappy for decades. Of course, marriage counseling was also not so readily available, either.
Today, couples realize there is another way. They are more open to the idea of couples counseling and believe its viability. Couples will see counselors earlier on as well, not waiting until a problem “stockpiles” before being seen. Even someone traditionally closed off to individual therapy will see merit in visiting with a couples counselor.
In the same breath, the problems that face today’s couples are considerably different than several decades ago. More people are involved in the workplace and less emphasis is placed on home and hearth. While the term “family” gets plenty of airplay, the time we spend with our spouse and/or family becomes less and less. The 9 - 5 job, with loads of security has made way for competitive 8 - 6 jobs, with a looming sense of sudden unemployment.
People are also spending more and more time in front of computers and less in their communities, lessening their interpersonal skills considerably. Like any other skills, communication skills are learned and need to be honed and practiced, practically on a daily basis, to keep sharp and relevant.
In essence, while today’s couples are more free and open to the idea of marriage counseling, often their time and ability to genuinely communicate is challenged.
