Facts On Couples Counseling Chicago Residents Should Know

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.

Many couples are not comfortable with making the decision to seek the help of a therapist. Many of them consider therapy as a last resort when all the other alternatives have been exhausted. The general advice is that couples should not wait until things are far deteriorated because getting solutions by then is extremely difficult. Having therapy sessions regularly helps to sought out problems before they become unmanageable.

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 therapy to be successful, each party to the process must recognize the fact that each individual has a unique personality with a distinct value system. Being party to different institutions and societal organizations may mean that behaviors may vary to some extent. It is not always possible to get other people to agree with our beliefs. Counseling focuses on solving underlying problems by helping partners reach a compromise position with regard to their beliefs.

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 will not tell couple what to do to make things work. Their main role is to facilitate the process of communication between the two. Although they may offer their personal opinion, the ultimate solution will have to come from the couple. The partners should be free to open up since therapist is not there to pass judgment. You may be advised to do some assignments at home and bring feedback in subsequent sessions.

There are numerous factors that may lead to a strained marital relationship. Lack of trust, affairs, financial issues, failure to meet responsibilities and family conflicts are just but a few examples. Couples or marriage counseling us designed to help partners appreciate that they have inherent differences in their value systems and are bound to differ in opinion from time to time. They learn how to communicate in the most effective manner.




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