Does Marriage Counseling Work?
So you’re stuck in a relationship rut, thinking about couples counseling and wondering if it's worth a shot? And if you manage to twist your partner's arm into going, will it really make a difference? Does it actually work?
Well, the answer's not a simple yes or no. It kind of depends on why you're going and what kind of therapy you're getting. But hey, chances are it could do some good for you two. Most folks who give it a try find it helpful, even if their relationship is going through a real rough patch.
But then why do so many folks still doubt it?
Alright, let's dive in and unpack why some people swear by couples counseling while others brush it off.
Why the Doubt?
So, you might be skeptical because of something you read once upon a time. Back in the '90s, Consumer Reports did a study on different therapy types and rated marriage counseling as the least effective. That kinda put a damper on its rep, and since then, it's been side-eyed in the media.
Then in the mid-2000s, The New York Times dropped an article titled, “Married With Problems? Therapy May Not Help.” And in the early 2010s, Huffington Post started throwing shade at marital therapy, making folks question its worth. But hey, therapists have been hustling, developing new and better methods. And guess what? Research is finally catching up, showing that nowadays, it helps about 70% of couples who give it a whirl.
So, while its rep might've taken a hit, the truth is, it's actually pretty darn effective.
When Does Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy Work?
Alright, let's talk stats and research. Couples counseling isn't a walk in the park. Experts say it's one of the toughest therapies to nail, especially for untrained therapists. But with the right approach, it can make a real difference.
Research tells us that back in the '80s, it had about a 50% success rate. But fast forward to today, and it's rocking a success rate of around 70%. Plus, nearly half of married couples have given it a shot. That's a lot of folks finding some kind of benefit.
But here's the kicker: the sooner you hop on that counseling train, the better. Most couples take about six years before they finally decide to seek help. Six years! That's a lot of simmering resentment.
Does Marriage Counseling Work for Infidelity?
Now, what about the biggie: infidelity? Can counseling fix a relationship rocked by cheating? Research says, yeah, it's possible. Even couples who've had their trust shattered can heal and rebuild their bond after a few months of therapy.
But hold up, it's not a magic cure-all. Both partners need to be willing to put in the work, and you gotta find the right therapist who knows their stuff.
How Long Does Couples Counseling Take?
You might be wondering, how long does this whole process take? Well, it varies. Some folks start seeing improvements after just a handful of sessions, while for others, it might take a few months. On average, it's about 12 sessions, but it could be more or less depending on your situation.
Tips for Marriage Counseling Success
Alright, so you're sold on giving couples counseling a shot. But how do you make sure it actually works for you?
01
First off, go early. Don't wait until you're knee-deep in problems. The sooner you tackle issues, the easier they are to fix.
02
Secondly, pick your therapist wisely. Not all therapists are created equal, especially when it comes to couples counseling. Look for someone who's specifically trained in marriage therapy methods.
03
Lastly, be ready to put in the work. Therapy's a team effort, so you and your partner both need to be committed to making it work.
So, there you have it. Couples counseling might just be the ticket to turning things around in your relationship. Give it a shot, and who knows? You might just end up happier than ever.
If you’re ready to take the journey and start marriage counseling or couples therapy in Minnesota, book a free consultation here.
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