Ridglea Family Guidance
Counseling For All Parts of You
Marital Therapy
The purpose of couples counseling is to help partners learn to support each other in new ways and acquire healthy problem-solving skills. The couple will decide on their therapeutic goals with the guidance of the therapist and then develop a plan for therapy so each person knows what to expect. In couples therapy, positive results often depend on the couple’s motivation and dedication to the process.
Does It Work?
Couples therapy is most effective when both partners are committed to improving their relationship and sticking to the treatment plan. The approach is much less effective if one partner refuses to participate in treatment or if the relationship is violent or abusive. The effectiveness of couples therapy is also reduced when those in the relationship only expect their partner to change. The more open each member of the relationship is to reflect on their own perspectives and habits, the more effective couples therapy is likely to be.
How Long Will It Take?
Marriage counseling is often short-term, though healing a relationship may take more time. Ultimately, couples therapy will continue for as long as the couple is committed to completing the treatment plan or until they reach a resolution.