#1 Saskatoon Marriage Counselling

Marriage counselling is a helpful tool for couples looking to understand and resolve conflicts in their relationship. It can also help couples explore options for separation if that’s what’s needed. According to a 2020 review, around 75% of couples who attend marriage counselling report increased marital satisfaction after finishing treatment. However, every couple’s situation is different, so results can vary.

Starting counselling sooner rather than later can make it more effective. Many couples wait an average of six years after problems start to arise in their relationship before seeking help. Marriage counselling is usually done in person with a qualified professional counsellor. 

Here’s what you can expect from marriage counselling:

Intake Session:

• Your therapist will ask you and your partner questions about your individual and collective backgrounds.
• You will discuss your current relationship, including any patterns of communication or behaviour that may be causing problems.

Individual Therapy:

• You and your partner will have the opportunity to meet with your therapist separately.
• This gives each person the chance to discuss any personal issues or concerns that may be affecting the relationship.

Couples and Family Therapy:

• Most marriage counselling sessions involve couples and family therapy.
• This will provide a chance for you and your partner to work on your relationship together.

Feedback and Treatment Plan:

• After the initial sessions, your therapist will offer you feedback and recommend a treatment plan.
• This may include goals to work towards, specific exercises to do, or techniques to practice.

Techniques and Tools:

• Your therapist will provide you with techniques and tools to help you improve your communication and conflict resolution skills.
• These may include exercises to help you uncover the root causes of your problems, ways to support each other’s goals and dreams, and methods to manage anger and be more vulnerable.

Tasks:

• Your therapist may assign specific tasks or exercises to help you work through your issues.
• These may include using particular words or phrases when managing conflicts or practising active listening.

Intense Emotions:

• Marriage counselling can involve intense emotions, including crying and raised voices.
• However, your therapist will work to create a safe space where you and your partner can express your feelings and concerns without judgment.

Here are some things to avoid saying in marriage counselling:

• Don’t use hurtful language that can damage your partner’s self-esteem.
• Avoid accusing your partner of intentionally hurting you or placing undue pressure on them.
• Try not to say anything that makes you feel judged, belittled, or unsupported.
• Be open and honest about what’s really going on in your relationship, even if it’s uncomfortable.
• Don’t ask your therapist to keep secrets from your partner, as it can damage trust and hinder progress.
• Avoid using words like “you always” or “you never,” which can make your partner feel defensive.
• Be mindful of negative body language like crossed arms, eye rolls, and invading personal space.
• Instead of saying “Leave me alone,” try to communicate your need for space or a break in a more constructive way.

Here are some reasons why your wife might not want to go to marriage counselling:

• She might think you can work through the issues without professional help.
• She might have had a bad experience with counselling in the past and worry that it could harm your relationship.
• She might be afraid of being judged or ganged up on by the therapist.
• She might be uncomfortable discussing certain subjects during therapy and not want to talk about them.
• She might be embarrassed to talk about personal issues with a stranger.
• She might think that therapy is too expensive or not worth the cost.
• She might see therapy as a punishment rather than a helpful tool.
• She might not want to share her problems with a stranger.
• She might feel uncomfortable discussing relationship issues at all.
• She might be afraid of being attacked or criticized during therapy.
• She might worry that the therapist will take sides.