Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in San Francisco, CA is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within Marriage counseling include:
- Jealousy
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Opposing values
- Different visions for the future
- Disagreements in parenting
- Lack of trust
- Financial distress
- Sex issues
Marriage counseling works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular marriage counseling sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.
On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in San Francisco, CA work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.
Therapy in San Francisco, CA—Marriage Counseling
The divorce rate for first marriages is intimating—40 percent. The rates for second and third marriages are even more so. And yet, when some couples hit difficult patches, they work through those challenges. You and your spouse are the only ones who can decide what the next right step is for your marriage, but if you are struggling and you want help, know that many spouses are going to marriage therapy to work toward a healthier relationship—whether the marriage continues or not.
The marriage therapists at Thriveworks San Francisco understand that being in a relationship can be difficult. Everyone has struggles. Spouses often need help, and that is why we offer marriage counseling. To schedule your first appointment, reach out to us today.
Should We Start Marriage Counseling?
There are any number of issues why spouses start marriage counseling. The decision to start therapy is often personal, and there are no right or wrong reasons to begin. In fact, if you are even considering going, it may be a sign that marriage counseling might help. Here are a few of the reasons some couples have chosen to reach out for help…
1) There has been cheating.
2) One or both spouses are trying to change each other.
3) Arguments happen all the time, or arguments never occur.
Working for a Healthier Relationship
You and your spouse may be facing one of these problems. You may be facing a different challenge. Whatever may be the case, many couples wonder how marriage therapy could help. Here are a few practical ways that marriage counseling may help you and your spouse establish a healthier relationship:
- Helping spouses recognize toxic patterns. Certain ways of relating are more harmful than others. When spouses become aware of toxic patterns and when they are open to change, they can often learn new ways of connecting.
- Setting sensible expectations for growth. People rarely change over night. It takes time to implement sustainable growth. Yet, growth needs to occur. Marriage therapist can often tell when spouses are stalling and when they are growing slowly.
- De-escalating conflict. Conversations about heated topic can easily escalate into personal attacks. Marriage therapists can often help spouses have difficult conversations in a productive manner.
- Advocating for each individual. Each individual within the marriage matters. Each spouse’s needs and preferences and feelings should be honored. Marriage counselors do not just advocate for the relationship but also each individual within the relationship.
Marriage Therapy Appointments at Thriveworks San Francisco
If you and your spouse are struggling, you are not alone; many spouses go to marriage counseling. Considering reach out to Thriveworks San Francisco. When you call for an appointment, you may be meeting with your therapist within the week. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and we accept many insurance plans. Call today.
