Marriage Counseling in Overland Park, KS

The Importance of Marriage and Family Counseling

If you're like most couples, you probably didn't enter into marriage with the intention of one day getting a divorce. But the sad reality is that 50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. And while there are many factors that contribute to the demise of a marriage, one of the most common is a lack of communication.

That's where marriage and family counseling can help. A good counselor can provide a neutral 3rd party perspective to help you and your spouse/partner see things from a different angle and find common ground. They can also help you learn new communication tools and skills to use in your relationship.

If you're considering marriage or family counseling, here are a few things to keep in mind.

How to Choose a Marriage or Family Counselor
The first step is to do your research and ask around for referrals. Talk to friends, family members, or your primary care physician for recommendations. Once you have a list of potential counselors, set up initial consultations with each one. This will give you an opportunity to get a feel for their personality and style and see if you connect with them on a personal level.

During the consultation, be sure to ask about their experience working with couples/families, their treatment approach, how long they think it will take to see results, and what kind of progress you can expect to make. You should also inquire about their confidentiality policy and fees.

Once you've found a counselor that you feel comfortable with, attend your first session and see how it goes. If at any point you feel like the counseling isn't helping or isn't right for you, don't be afraid to look for someone else. It's important that you find a counselor who is a good fit for you and your situation.

What to Expect from Marriage or Family Counseling
The specifics of what you can expect from marriage or family counseling will depend on the particular issues you're dealing with in your relationship. In general, though, most counseling sessions last about 50 minutes to an hour and are held once per week. The number of sessions you'll need will also depend on the severity of the problems in your relationship as well as how well you and your partner respond to treatment.
Some counselors may suggest that you see them individually as well as together as a couple or family. This can be helpful if there are certain issues that need to be addressed that would be more difficult to talk about in front of your partner/spouse. Confidentiality is important in counseling, so be sure to ask about the counselor's policy regarding sharing information outside of sessions before beginning treatment.

If your marriage is struggling or your family is going through a tough time, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified counselor. Marriage and family counseling can provide insight, tools, and support to help improve communication and resolve conflict. With patience and commitment, it is possible for even the most troubled relationships to heal and thrive.