Did you know couples therapy and marriage counseling are not the same? In fact, they refer to two very different treatments, and learning about both and their benefits will help you make the best decision for your relationship. So, let’s dive in to tackle couples therapy vs marriage counseling to offer the support you need to forge a stronger, healthier connection with your partner.
The difference between couples therapy vs marriage counseling
Couples therapy is designed to help couples strengthen their communication patterns and identify the root causes preventing their relationship from moving forward. Typically, couples reach out to a therapist once they feel they’re at a crossroads with each other. The honeymoon phase has ended, and “us” becomes “me vs. you”. That’s where the therapist comes in. A licensed professional therapist will work with the couple individually and collectively to help each party better understand themselves, their own trauma, attachment style, communication patterns, and habits to strengthen the context of being in a relationship.
On the other hand, marriage counseling is what the name suggests. It’s therapy for couples who are either married or planning to get married. You can think of it as a preventive or a grounding type of therapy, either anticipating any future challenges or focusing on the problems rooted in the here and now. Therefore, this type of relationship counseling is often more educational and skill-based rather than understanding one’s own trauma and processing emotions. Your therapist will provide lessons tailored towards conflict resolution, intimacy, and effective communication skills.
No matter which treatment you choose for you and your partner, couples therapy vs marriage counseling, you will undoubtedly receive several benefits to strengthen your union.
7 benefits of couples therapy
- Focuses on the problem individually and collectively: you learn about your own personal trauma, triggers, unhealthy patterns, and maladaptive coping mechanisms
- Improved Communication: You learn how to enhance your communication skills, both as an individual and as a couple, to express your needs collectively and foster a better understanding
- Analyzes the history of your relationship, including past arguments, misunderstandings, and conflicts. As a result, you receive tools and strategies to resolve constructively, reducing the likelihood of repetitive fights and recurring problems
- Navigates life transitions: You discover how to bond, communicate, and offer compassion to another during life’s challenges like career changes, parenting, etc.
- Strengthens your bond: Your therapist will help you deepen your emotional connection, foster intimacy, and create a stronger foundation for a brighter future
- Identifies areas of your relationship that need more attention and how to approach them with care
- Greater empathy and compassion: Learning about yourself and your partner from a deeper perspective will allow you to understand your partner’s needs and feelings
7 benefits of marriage counseling
- Premarital counseling: If you’re considering marriage, you receive effective tools to anticipate and learn how to deal with the inevitable highs and lows of your future together
- Reignites connection: You learn how to re-establish your bond with one another, revive the spark, and rekindle lost intimacy
- Get your marriage on the same page by aligning your values, dreams, and goals together, a shared partnership
- Provides a proactive approach to ensure the maintenance and longevity of your relationship
- A secure space to air grievances and discuss problems before they reach a boiling point
- Offers a structured approach to address crises with guidance and tools to navigate challenges, such as infidelity, financial problems, or other conflicts
- Focuses on strengthening your bond and dedication to one another by reminding you why you got married in the first place, what you love about one another, and why you wish to move forward together
When to receive couples therapy
Couples therapy tends to be more intense and long-term as couples navigate their problems both individually and collectively. While both parties attend the session, the therapist will often ask for separate sessions with each individual to dive deeper into the issues at hand. Therefore, if you have serious problems impacting your ability to heal together, receiving couples counseling services is your best choice to tackle the root cause and how to identify and break unhealthy patterns.
When to receive marriage counseling
Marriage counseling is commonly seen as a less formalized step, sometimes presented as a requirement by religious institutions or other bodies before marriage. As a result, marriage counselors may lack the necessary qualifications to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Therefore, assess the individual’s qualifications beforehand to ensure you receive the best support. Unlike couples therapy, you’ll often receive a specified number of sessions with a clear end date to acquire skills to resolve conflict, improve communication, and reach compromises.
What treatment is best for you?
After learning about couples therapy vs marriage counseling, you may still have questions or doubts. And that’s okay! Taking either step can be intimidating. But our system is designed to alleviate that stress. Simply fill out a form, and we’ll match you with a therapist tailored to your answers, preferences, and needs. Our goal is to assist you and your partner in overcoming challenges and enhancing your bond. If you prefer a quicker approach, browse our selection of trained therapists to book your session virtually or in person. The options are limitless.
