Marriage Counseling

Keeping a marriage strong requires a mix of dedication, patience, and a willingness to acknowledge your faults. Roughly 49% of couples have reported that they have attended some kind of marriage counseling along with their spouse. As a therapist who offers Bethesda marriage counseling services for clients knows, like one at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, taking the steps to fix a marriage involves a lot of work. Both parties have to be committed, otherwise it will not work out. During a session, you may be wondering what to expect. Here are some of the main topics that you can expect to discuss during your therapy session. 

Commitment 

Lifelong commitment to one another is a vow that every couple makes when they get married. During stressful moments and arguments when couples do not see eye to eye however, it may prompt much re-evaluation of the commitment. During marriage counseling, couples will discuss the reasons why they chose to commit in the first place. The therapist will raise discussion points about where your commitment issues are coming from. 

Trust 

Trust issues can stem from things like infidelity (cheating on your spouse), lack of communication, or passive aggressive behavior. One of the first steps to restore trust in a relationship is to have an open and honest dialogue. Both parties need to be validated and heard. Your therapist may recommend treatment that addresses past behavior and experiences, as well as exercises focusing on communication. 

Communication 

Sometimes one person’s communication style is very different from their partner’s, which can lead to a lot of arguments. Communication issues are one of the most common reasons that married couples seek counseling. At some point in their relationship, they struggle to communicate effectively. A person may find it hard to express themselves to their spouse because they are afraid of their reaction. 

Future Goals

When you and your spouse are not on the same page about your future together, it can cause you to become distant from one another. Priorities can change, and it can be difficult to agree on your plans together. If you and your spouse are having this issue, a therapist will help you figure out how you envision your future and if you are willing to make compromises if you hope to achieve shared goals.  

Forgiveness

Everyone makes mistakes, and in a marriage you are bound to make many of them. Having the capacity for forgiveness is crucial in a healthy marriage so that resentment doesn’t develop. A therapist will help you and your spouse forgive one another for wrongs you have done, and help you develop a path forward so that you can set boundaries and continue to build your relationship. 

Navigating issues affecting your marriage can be hard, but seeing a certified therapist can be a good first step towards healing. Learn more about how marriage counseling services can benefit you by scheduling an appointment with a trained and reputable therapist who has the skills and qualifications to treat you and your spouse.