Marriage Counselling
Understanding What Marriage Counselling Can Offer to Couples
Is marriage counselling right for you? While it can seem intimidating to think about putting your marriage under a microscope, it can offer pathways to problem-solving on issues where you and your spouse feel deadlocked. From concerns about finances or fidelity to underlying relationship issues, outside professional guidance can provide potential solutions you might miss on your own. At Deakin Psychology, I can work together with you to help uncover opportunities for answers.
The Importance of Pre-Marriage Counselling
Our services in marriage counselling for Canberra couples are not limited to those who've already tied the knot; I also have many clients who are wanting extra support as they head towards marriage. If you're soon to be wed, consider if counselling might be a good idea:
It can offer an opportunity to learn about facets of your relationship that you may poorly understand.
You can spend time having learning experiences that open the door to stronger communication and better conflict resolution as a couple.
Counselling can help you to focus on forging a plan for your marriage with your spouse to be. What expectations do you both have? What's realistic, and what isn't? With guided counselling, working through these issues ahead of time can help to give you a strong foundation.
What You Can Expect from Marriage and Relationship Counselling
Whether you come to us for help strengthening bonds before marriage, to help work through concerns that develop later, or to find ways to reduce conflict in a relationship, the experience you have visiting our location is important. Here's what to expect from that experience:
Compassion, understanding, and patience. I strive to provide a judgement-free zone where you can come as you are for open, honest conversations. Drawing from the Gottman-Method, I do not set out to adopt the view that one partner is "right" or "wrong" but focus rather on the common ground and points of strength in a relationship as the foundation from which to rebuild understanding.
Active and involved efforts to help you and your partner come to a better understanding of one another.
Short- and long-term support as needed. We are happy to continue working with couples for as long as they feel comfortable.
Some advice which going into Marriage Counselling in Canberra
If the prospect of coming in for marriage guidance counselling makes you feel nervous or even a little uneasy, don't worry — you aren't alone. That's a perfectly normal reaction to have. Here's a little advice to keep in mind as you think about going forward:
Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about the potential value in seeking marriage counselling. Starting from a place of mutual understanding is ideal.
Don't be afraid. Some couples worry that going to counselling means their relationship is on the rocks or over; that's not a given. Instead, come into the process with an open mind and be willing to participate in a process that is both give and take.
Be ready to engage. Both partners need to exhibit a willingness to participate in the process; otherwise it is too challenging to bridge divides.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed should be a mutual one. While results can't be guaranteed, I strive to facilitate an experience defined by compassion and evidence-based methodologies.
About Deakin Psychology
With over a decade of experience in providing services such as marital counselling among others, Paul has seen a wide variety of presentations, both in couples and individuals. Contact us today for further insight into what the process of marriage counselling could be like for you and your partner.