Facts On Couples Counseling Chicago Residents Should Know

By Jason Ellis


Every relationship is characterized by highs and lows. Married couples have to handle problems of varying complexity from time to time and depending on the nature of the problem, an agreement or a disagreement may be the end result. Occasional disagreements are not abnormal but if frequent and emotive, there may be a need for therapy. Before registering for couples counseling Chicago residents should know a number of things.

Many couples are not comfortable with making the decision to seek the help of a therapist. Many of them consider therapy as a last resort when all the other alternatives have been exhausted. The general advice is that couples should not wait until things are far deteriorated because getting solutions by then is extremely difficult. Having therapy sessions regularly helps to sought out problems before they become unmanageable.

Once the couple decides to sign up for therapy, their next task is to look for a qualified therapist (marriage counselor). Recommendations can be obtained from relatives, friends and from the internet. If you cannot find a therapist then consider other alternatives. Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists are have some training in therapy and may be of help. Religious leaders may also offer some useful advice.

The duration of therapy varies depending on the magnitude of the problem. Generally, therapies are divided into two: short term and long term. The short term therapy comprises one two three sessions while the long term option is between 12 and 24 sessions. One sessions is typically between 30 and 45 minutes. Focused therapy is a sub-type of counseling that takes the shortest period of time.

For the treatment to succeed, it is important that the partners recognize the fact that each person has a distinct value system and personality. The personality is shaped by the societal environment and various institutions. With this in mind, they can all understand that it is not always possible for two people to agree on certain issues. The counseling sessions helps in bringing these differences to the table so that they can be discussed openly.

This therapy helps the partners to reflect on their relationship. Each of them examines the impact of their actions on the relationship. Many of the problems that couples have to handle take a period of time to develop. Understating how each of the problems came about is the first step towards solving them. The partners are taught how to effectively communicate with each other to formulate solutions.

The therapist plays the important role of being a facilitator. They should not be relied upon to provide instructions on how to handle problems. Their help mainly comes in the form of guidance and personal suggestions. The couple should have the freedom to discuss their issues in front of the therapist without fear of judgment.

There are many causes of conflicts in marital relationships. They include, among others, extramarital affairs, lack of trust, failure to meet assigned responsibilities, family conflicts, differences in parenting styles and so on. In couples counselling, the partners get a chance to learn more about their differences and how best they can negotiate to bridge them. Communication is emphasized as an important problem solving tool.




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