Important Aspects On Couples Counseling Chicago Residents Should Understand

By Jason Ellis


Even for couples that have been married for years and have been happy for the most part, conflicts are not uncommon. Disagreements range from those involving minute household issues to those involving serious matters that have the potential to end the relationship. Therapy is an effective intervention when things seem to be getting out of hand. There are a number of things on couples counseling Chicago residents need to know if they wish to have this therapy.

Making a decision to go for therapy is not easy for most couples. The general belief is that counseling is a last resort measure to save a marriage or relationship after everything else has failed. For a great majority, the suggestion is in fact made by a relative or friend. Nothing can be further from the truth. Having therapy is useful even for a relationship that is considered stable.

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 reasons as to why marital relationships may be strained. These include among others, lack of trust, financial issues, betrayal or affairs, family conflicts, unmet parenting responsibilities and so on. Couples counseling helps the concerned parties to solve their problems by learning to recognize their varying beliefs and abilities and communicating better with each other. The duration of therapy will vary depending on the nature of the relationship and the magnitude of the problem.




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