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Couples Therapy vs Marriage Counseling: What's the Difference?

Couples Therapy vs Marriage Counseling: What's the Difference?

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Lawren Henderson Feb 1, 2024
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Falling in love can be as easy as a single glance, but building and maintaining a happy relationship usually requires some effort. Professional help isn’t just for those whose relationship has hit a rough patch; it can prove beneficial for anyone looking to keep a good thing going with their special someone. 

When it comes to seeking assistance, the terms "couples therapy" and "marriage counseling" are often used interchangeably. However, these two forms of relationship support have distinct focuses and methodologies. 

In this article, we will explore the differences between couples therapy and marriage counseling, helping you understand which approach might be the most suitable for you and your life partner. 

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is a broad term that encompasses various therapeutic approaches designed to help partners improve their relationship, whether they are married, engaged, or dating. The primary goal of couples therapy is to address interpersonal issues, enhance communication, and promote a healthier dynamic between partners. Therapists who specialize in couples therapy may use a range of techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy, or systemic therapy.

Key aspects of couples therapy include:

  • Developing communication skills: Couples therapy often focuses on improving communication patterns, helping partners express their needs, feelings, and concerns constructively.
  • Conflict resolution: Therapists assist couples in developing effective conflict resolution skills, encouraging compromise and collaboration to navigate disagreements.
  • Individual growth: Couples therapy may involve exploring each partner's personal growth and development, helping individuals understand themselves better and fostering a sense of self-awareness.
  • Intimacy building: Therapists work with couples to enhance emotional and physical intimacy, creating a deeper connection between partners.

What is marriage counseling? 

Marriage counseling, as the name suggests, is a form of therapy that aims to address issues within a marital relationship. While marriage counseling shares some similarities with couples therapy, it typically has a more structured focus on the institution of marriage itself. Marriage counselors often explore topics such as trust, commitment, and shared goals to strengthen the marital bond.

Key aspects of marriage counseling include:

  • Rebuilding trust: Marriage counseling may focus on rebuilding trust in the aftermath of infidelity or breaches of commitment, helping couples navigate the aftermath of such challenges.
  • Family dynamics: Marriage counselors may explore the impact of family-of-origin dynamics on the marital relationship, helping couples understand how past experiences shape their present interactions.
  • Preventive measures: Marriage counseling can serve as a preventive measure, addressing potential issues before they escalate, and helping couples establish a strong foundation for a lasting marriage.
  • Shared goals: Marriage counselors often work with couples to identify and align their long-term goals, ensuring that both partners are moving in the same direction.

Pre-marriage counseling: What is it?

Pre-marriage counseling, also known as premarital counseling, is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. By providing guidance and tools, pre-marriage counseling aims to ensure that the couple has a strong, healthy relationship — giving their marriage a greater chance of success.

During pre-marriage counseling, couples often cover topics such as conflict resolution, communication, financial planning, family dynamics, intimacy, and relationship expectations. It provides a platform for couples to discuss various aspects of their future life together, ensuring they are on the same page and avoiding potential disputes down the line.

Should you consider pre-marriage counseling?

While pre-marriage counseling may seem like something only couples with issues would need, it's actually beneficial for all couples planning to tie the knot. Even couples who have a great relationship can benefit from exploring their expectations and future plans through guided discussions.

Pre-marriage counseling serves as a proactive tool, helping couples build a strong foundation for their future together. It allows them to identify and address any potential areas of conflict before they become larger issues, fostering open communication and mutual understanding. While it is not a guarantee of a perfect marriage, it significantly enhances the chances of a long-lasting and fulfilling union.

What is the cost of professional support?

The cost of couples therapy and marriage counseling can vary depending on the therapist's years of experience, the location of the therapy session, the duration of each session, and the level of care being offered. Counseling that requires more specialized training or clinical expertise may come with a higher price tag. 

You can expect to pay between $100-$300 per session for in-person meetings. Online therapy, which is just as effective as traditional sessions, is an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative. 

Generally, the cost of couples therapy or marriage counseling is not covered by most insurance plans. However, if one or both partners have a mental health diagnosis, insurance may cover the costs. And if you have an FSA/HSA, you may be able to use these funds to pay for your sessions.

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How to Talk to Your Partner About Couples Therapy
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Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the benefits of couples therapy and how it can help enhance or improve relationships. This will help you feel more confident in discussing the topic and enable you to answer any questions your partner may have. Anticipate possible reactions: Consider how your partner might react to the suggestion of couples therapy. They may be open and receptive, hesitant, or resistant. Anticipating their possible reactions will help you prepare for different scenarios and respond empathetically. Choose the right time: Pick a time to have the conversation when both you and your partner are relatively calm and not preoccupied with other stressors. Avoid bringing up the topic during moments of tension or conflict. Manage your expectations: Understand that your partner may not immediately agree to couples therapy, and that's okay. 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(Focuses on personal feelings, encourages understanding) Highlight the benefits Instead: "We need therapy because we're constantly fighting!" (Negative, emphasizes problems) Try: "I've noticed some communication gaps between us, and I believe couples therapy could help us learn valuable tools to resolve conflicts more constructively and strengthen our bond." (Focuses on potential solutions and positive outcomes) Normalize therapy Instead of: "We need to see a therapist!" (Sounds accusatory) Try: "It's really common for couples to seek therapy to strengthen their bond. Many people find it helpful." (Highlights normalcy and potential benefits) Listen actively Instead: Nodding silently while waiting to speak. Try: "I want to understand your perspective. Can you tell me more about what you're feeling?" (Shows genuine interest and encourages deeper expression) Focus on the relationship Instead: "You never listen to me!" 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(Unreliable) Try: "Let's set a calendar reminder together for our therapy sessions and hold each other accountable." (Shows commitment and mutual support) Stay calm and patient Instead: Getting defensive or frustrated. Try: "I hear you, and I appreciate your honesty. Even when we disagree, let's remember we're both on the same team." (Maintains respectful communication even during challenges) Explore Couples Therapy with Cerebral Every relationship has its ups and downs. Whether yours is better than ever and you want to keep a good thing going, or you’re at a precarious point and need some professional support to get back on track, Cerebral can help. We offer couples therapy with world-class, credentialed professionals—100% online. Meet with an expert from the comfort of home and on your schedule, so you and your partner can make the most of your journey together. Get started.    Image by pch.vector on Freepik
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Here's How Couples Therapy Builds Communication Skills
Good communication is the cornerstone of all relationships—whether we’re talking about your relationship with colleagues, friends, family members, and, of course, your life partner.  But when you and your significant other are unable to express yourselves in a healthy and constructive way, well, misunderstandings and conflicts are bound to occur. If this is something you’re concerned about, then you may want to consider couples therapy which can help you discover effective ways to talk to your main squeeze.   Understanding couples therapy Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping partners improve their relationship. Sessions are conducted by a credentialed therapist with experience in relationship dynamics. The primary goal is to identify and resolve conflicts and improve the relationship by fostering a deeper understanding between partners. Benefits of couples therapy for communication Relationships can improve tremendously just by improving communication between partners. Here are some of the benefits you can expect by working with a professional: Improved listening skills Therapy sessions provide a safe environment for each partner to express their perspective while facilitating active listening. This practice helps you truly hear what your partner is saying without immediately reacting or becoming defensive. Effective conflict resolution Couples therapy gives you strategies you can use to navigate disagreements constructively. By learning to approach conflicts as a team rather than adversaries, you can find common ground with your partner and resolve disputes without damaging the relationship. Building trust and empathy Miscommunication often causes erosion of trust. Through guided conversations in therapy, you can rebuild this trust by demonstrating empathy and understanding toward your partner’s experiences and emotions. Enhancing emotional intimacy Open and honest communication fostered through therapy can deepen emotional intimacy. Sharing vulnerabilities in a supportive setting can strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Techniques and strategies To help you cultivate your communication skills, a couples therapist might guide you through various techniques and strategies, including: Active Listening Active listening involves fully concentrating on your partner, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering the conversation. It's about being present and engaged during communication, which couples therapy can help train you to do. Nonviolent communication This technique centers on expressing oneself in a clear, empathetic, and non-confrontational way. It emphasizes sharing feelings and needs openly without blame or criticism. Problem-solving exercises These are practical applications within therapy sessions where you and your partner work through potential scenarios or past conflicts. The exercises aim to equip you with the tools you need to address problems proactively. Communicate confidently with Cerebral Couples therapy can empower you to better understand your partner and equip you both with the tools to maintain healthy communication long after your sessions conclude. Join Cerebral, and start working with an experienced therapist to improve your communication skills, setting the foundation for a resilient foundation for your shared future. Get started. Image by Freepik
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