Every couple envisions a ‘happily ever after’ when they get married. However, sometimes marriage can bring unexpected changes and challenges for the couple, leading to stress and conflict. This marital stress can become overwhelming, causing emotional and psychological strain for both partners. Post-marital counselling can be a source of support in such times, helping couples to navigate through challenges and strengthen the bond between partners. In this article, we’ll look at post-marital counselling in depth.
Understanding Post-Marital Counseling
As the name suggests, post-marital counselling or post-marriage therapy is a form of talk therapy designed to help couples navigate challenges and improve their relationship after getting married. In post-marriage counselling, a couple works with a trained marriage therapist to deal with any issues they face after the wedding, such as communication problems, conflicts, adjustment issues, and changes in expectations.
Post-marital counselling is important as it provides couples with a supportive environment and a safe space as they try to cope with the challenges of married life. It can also help both partners develop a better understanding of each other and set a strong foundation for their future.
What Can You Expect From Post-Marital Counseling?
Many couples avoid seeking post-marriage counselling as they have little to no idea what happens inside a session. Let’s explore the process of post-marital counselling so that you know what to expect from the process.
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A safe-space
Post-marital counselling is a safe space where both partners can voice their concerns with freedom. The therapist will provide a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere so that both partners feel heard and validated during the process
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Initial Assessment
The first counselling session usually involves an assessment where the therapist gathers information about your relationship history, current challenges, and goals for counselling. The therapist may ask questions about your relationship, current issues, family dynamics, etc to understand your relationship in depth.
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Goal Setting
Based on the initial assessment and understanding, the therapist helps you and your partner set goals for counselling. These goals may revolve around topics such as improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building emotional and physical intimacy.
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Tools And Techniques
Based on the initial assessment and goals, the therapist will work with you and your partner to form a treatment plan. This plan may include tools, strategies and techniques that will help you improve your relationship and achieve any other goals that have been set.
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Homework
Throughout the counselling process, the therapist will help you and your partner identify negative patterns of interactions that might be causing issues in the relationship. The therapist will also provide you with some tools and techniques and encourage you to practice them outside of sessions so that you can apply them in everyday situations. Thus, homework is a crucial part of the counselling process.
The Benefits of Post-Marital Counseling
Post-marital counselling can bring multiple benefits for a couple, such as:
- It is a space where couples learn healthy communication skills, leading to reduced conflict.
- It empowers couples with conflict-resolution skills, leading to more productive discussions and reduced tension.
- Research suggests that couples experience higher satisfaction and happiness in their marriage after going for post-marital counseling.
- It helps couples strengthen their emotional connection, trust, and commitment to each other.
Conclusion:
In summary, post-marital counseling is a structured process designed to help couples resolve issues that they face in the initial or later stages of their married lives. It provides couples with a safe space to express their emotions and improve their understanding of each other. It can also bring other benefits, such as enhanced communication, reduced conflict and increased marital satisfaction.
References:
- Bhalla, K. (2023, March 31). Post Marriage Counselling: Benefits, Effectiveness, And More. Mantra Care. https://mantracare.org/therapy/relationship/post-marriage-counselling/
