Couples counselling is one of the most stigmatized therapies, and for this reason, not a lot of couples seek it.
Relationships need maintenance, too. They can be a lot of work for some couples, especially if they also deal with their personal matters. But for a couples therapist, nothing is better than a couple seeking counselling before any problem occurs.
Prevention is more effective than intervention, as is true for any therapy. Couples seeking counselling right in the middle of a crisis go through a more challenging time than those who sought counselling before the problem occurred.
In addition, couples who deal with work stress, family problems, and personal issues might not realise they are drifting apart slowly over time. If couples therapists want something, it’s to eliminate the stigma surrounding couples counselling and to encourage more couples to seek therapy while in a relationship.
This article will debunk misconceptions about couples counselling and prove that it should be a norm.
Misconception #1: Your Therapist Tells You What To Do
Counselling is not when someone takes complete control of your life by telling you what to do; it’s about listening to your problems and suggesting solutions to fix them. Thus, a therapist serves as an objective counsellor that can provide positive changes to your relationship.
They provide solutions based on stories you tell, including past experiences and issues you’ve had. They also pinpoint behavioural or communication patterns that may have been affecting your problems now. Ultimately, their advice is up to you to take.
Understandably, people have a defensive or rebellious attitude towards seeking a counsellor due to this very misconception. But breaking it allows people to seek therapy in an unbiased manner.
Misconception #2: Counselling is expensive and time-consuming
Most counsellors will work with your financial capacity and offer flexible payment options to have counselling sessions still. However, while seeking counselling can put a financial dent on your budget, further problems that could lead to divorce could mean more expense.
Counsellors want to create a dynamic relationship with you to provide solutions where they are needed. The therapist works to provide support and compassion to both partners during the counselling process. While it may seem overwhelming at first, as soon as the counsellor earns both your trust, you’ll feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
Misconception #3: It’s Shameful
Many couples still struggle with seeking help or admitting that they need it. Some may also feel like putting themselves out there is shameful, but couples counsellors are professionals who are there to help, not to shame you for your issues.
Your counsellor needs to know any problem you are struggling with, such as childhood abuse, addiction, and overwhelming debt. All these things help the therapist provide solutions, or else they can’t give you any.
Therapists, much like attorneys, sign confidentiality agreements. That means they can’t discuss your problems with anybody else. Recognizing that you have a problem and seeking help to solve it should not be shamed–it should be normalized.
Conclusion
It’s time we start normalizing couples counselling and admit that not everybody can maintain perfect relationships or avoid problems. It takes courage to be vulnerable, consider another perspective into your concerns, and acknowledge that you need help, but in the end, couples counselling does nothing but help you get through tough times.
At Halcyon Counselling, we help individuals, couples, and families get through tough times and build meaningful relationships. Our therapists offer marriage counselling in the Sunshine Coast and other areas. If you need counselling, get in touch with us and tell us how we can be of service. Call +617 3074 9544.
Recent Comments