The tougher circumstances of life today has taken its toll on many marriages. The ups and downs of modern life, along with the high rate of unemployment, have put relationships under strain. If you are concerned for the longevity of your relationship, then something needs to be done as soon as possible. More and more people are finding that marriage counseling is helping to put the pieces back into place.
If you are the one who needs to initiate the process of acquiring assistance, then you need to do it the right way so that your partner will be open to the idea as well. The idea should be suggested in an appropriate manner so that it is not misunderstood. Firstly, you will need to choose a good time to discuss the matter.
Sometime when you are alone is best, and when neither of you are overly stressed from work or other everyday problems. Do not attempt to discuss the possibility of outside assistance when you are in the middle of an argument. Your partner may then think that you are not serious about the idea, and are only trying to make threats. Try to explain that the purpose will be to solve problems between you, and to improve the quality of your relationship. Try not to make it seem like a punishment, or like your partner will be blamed in the process.
Sometimes one half of the partnership has to go to see a counselor by him or her self. This can still be beneficial, as the person attending can learn better ways to cope within an argument and to bring about some positive changes. Often, the other party sees the positive impact on the relationship and then agrees to start seeing the counselor as well.
If your partner has agreed to go along with the idea, then you are off to a good start. Although seeing a professional won't guarantee a perfect future, it will certainly not do any damage, and in the process you will learn some good communication skills and learn how to respect the emotions of another person. By writing down some of the goals you hope to achieve by seeing the professional, you can assist the process.
While you are noting your goals, make a few additional points as well. These will be the things that you feel need work. The types of things that you feel are a problem within your relationship. They can be brought forth to the counselor.
Although you are noting the negative aspects, start to work on the positive side of things as well. Write down everything you like about your partner and the relationship, and try to develop a more positive attitude. Both partners should make their own lists, and they can be shared.
Marriage counseling is recommended for those having difficulties, but can also be useful for newly weds. Communication problems are often handled, but also more serious issues such as the death of a child and substance abuse. Look for a counselor that you can trust, and one that has experience.
If you are the one who needs to initiate the process of acquiring assistance, then you need to do it the right way so that your partner will be open to the idea as well. The idea should be suggested in an appropriate manner so that it is not misunderstood. Firstly, you will need to choose a good time to discuss the matter.
Sometime when you are alone is best, and when neither of you are overly stressed from work or other everyday problems. Do not attempt to discuss the possibility of outside assistance when you are in the middle of an argument. Your partner may then think that you are not serious about the idea, and are only trying to make threats. Try to explain that the purpose will be to solve problems between you, and to improve the quality of your relationship. Try not to make it seem like a punishment, or like your partner will be blamed in the process.
Sometimes one half of the partnership has to go to see a counselor by him or her self. This can still be beneficial, as the person attending can learn better ways to cope within an argument and to bring about some positive changes. Often, the other party sees the positive impact on the relationship and then agrees to start seeing the counselor as well.
If your partner has agreed to go along with the idea, then you are off to a good start. Although seeing a professional won't guarantee a perfect future, it will certainly not do any damage, and in the process you will learn some good communication skills and learn how to respect the emotions of another person. By writing down some of the goals you hope to achieve by seeing the professional, you can assist the process.
While you are noting your goals, make a few additional points as well. These will be the things that you feel need work. The types of things that you feel are a problem within your relationship. They can be brought forth to the counselor.
Although you are noting the negative aspects, start to work on the positive side of things as well. Write down everything you like about your partner and the relationship, and try to develop a more positive attitude. Both partners should make their own lists, and they can be shared.
Marriage counseling is recommended for those having difficulties, but can also be useful for newly weds. Communication problems are often handled, but also more serious issues such as the death of a child and substance abuse. Look for a counselor that you can trust, and one that has experience.