Friendswood Marriage Counseling
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We can talk about anything. Most of the conversations will be guided by the therapist. We will talk about the relationship history, how you met, any significant events in the relationship, any break-ups, etc. We will also talk about the frequent arguments or conflicts that you have in the relationship. It is important to identify […]
We can talk about anything.
Most of the conversations will be guided by the therapist. We will talk about the relationship history, how you met, any significant events in the relationship, any break-ups, etc. We will also talk about the frequent arguments or conflicts that you have in the relationship. It is important to identify if you are having the exact same fight over and over again or if you are having new, different fights about a lot of topics.
Do you have fights where you both shut down or fights that you are screaming at each other?
And how do you typically argue? Do you fight fair?
Who usually apologizes first? Or does anyone apologize?
The therapist will ask you these questions and more. You don’t have to worry about remembering everything. The therapist will work to identify what the unhealthy patterns are in the relationship. We will also work to identify solutions, compromises, and options that you have. Marriage therapists also teach healthy communication skills to you and your partner.
The goal is to help you and your partner get to a healthier, happier place in your relationship. You should not have to feel lonely, distant, or disconnected in your marriage.
My goal is to give your relationship hope and help.
Most people will utilize Psychology Today and type in their zipcode. Others will ask family and friends. And of course, you can always just Google your city and what type of counseling you want. Once you find a counselor that seems like a good fit for you, then you can call or email them. You […]
Most people will utilize Psychology Today and type in their zipcode. Others will ask family and friends. And of course, you can always just Google your city and what type of counseling you want.
Once you find a counselor that seems like a good fit for you, then you can call or email them. You can usually get an idea of what kind of personality they have on the phone, but meeting them in person will give you the best idea of their personality and counseling style.
All counselors are different too. Some are older, younger, male, female, religious or secular. Some use humor, some stay stoic. Some like to do all the talking, and some like to do all the listening. Do you get friendly, good vibes from them? Or does it seem like they don’t “get” you?
And every client is different too. Some clients prefer to just answer questions while some prefer to lead the conversations. Some clients want someone to challenge them while others just want someone to agree with them.
Unfortunately, you really don’t know how well you will “click” with the counselor until you meet them. After you meet them, you are not locked in. You can always switch or transfer to another therapist. Yes, this can be cumbersome because you don’t want to have to start over with a new therapist. But if you are not comfortable for any reason, then you have a right to switch and be comfortable! This is a counselor that you are sharing your personal information with and getting recommendations from. Having a mental health professional that you are comfortable with is priceless!
Take home message: trust your instincts, reach out, and then switch if you need to. It is your life and your journey, so you get the ultimate say in your treatment.
Marriage counseling is where two people that are having problems in a relationship talk to a professional about their relationship. Marriage counseling can also be called couples counseling or marriage therapy. And the professional that you talk to is called the marriage counselor. (Counselor or therapist or clinician all mean the same thing.) Marriage counseling […]
Marriage counseling is where two people that are having problems in a relationship talk to a professional about their relationship. Marriage counseling can also be called couples counseling or marriage therapy. And the professional that you talk to is called the marriage counselor. (Counselor or therapist or clinician all mean the same thing.)
Marriage counseling can help with all sorts of problems, big or small. Some problems that can be brought up in marriage counseling, include but not limited to:
Infidelity
In-laws
Growing Apart
Communication
Anger Management
Parenting
Co-parenting
Blended Families
Finances
Addiction
Mental Health Illness
Stress
Job Related Problems
Sexual Problems
Childhood Trauma
The Past
Death of a Family Member
Having Kids
Adopting
Fertility Issues
Miscarriage
Pornography
Trauma
Pretty extensive list. And yet, there is so much more. Basically, any problem that you have with your spouse is valid and open to bring up in counseling, whether it is typical or not. So, if there is something that is on this list or not, we can talk about it.
During sessions, we talk about your relationship, your relationship history, recent conflicts, recurring conflicts, what you need to work on, what your partner needs to work on, what life stressors you have been facing, what your communication patterns are, etc.
You do not have to worry about coming up with a topic. Most counselors have lots of questions ready to ask. We want to get to know you, and we are trained to navigate the communication in session.
Counseling is also a confidential space. All licensed counselors have an ethical responsibility to keep your information private. I respect your privacy and personal information.
Hope this helps! Please remember that all therapists have a different style of communicating and working. If you are not happy with your therapist, speak up or switch. You should absolutely feel comfortable with whomever you are sharing your personal information with.
Marriage counseling sounds scarier than it is. But the reality is that ALL couples argue. All couples have conflict. You have 2 different people with 2 different backgrounds, personalities, childhoods, perspectives, etc., so yes, you are bound to have disagreements. The difference between healthy couples and unhealthy couples is how they argue. You may need […]
Marriage counseling sounds scarier than it is. But the reality is that ALL couples argue. All couples have conflict.
You have 2 different people with 2 different backgrounds, personalities, childhoods, perspectives, etc., so yes, you are bound to have disagreements. The difference between healthy couples and unhealthy couples is how they argue.
There are lots of other reasons to seek marriage counseling that are not on this list. But these are some of the typical reasons that couples seek counseling. Please note: None of these reasons are “bad”. They are just red flags that the relationship may need some help. If any of the above apply to you, it may be time for outside help.
Any additional questions? Feel free to email me at Shelly@friendswoodmarriagecounseling.com
One confusing thing when you are trying to seek help is figuring out which professional to seek out. And what is the difference with all these names? So, here is my simplified version of what each specialty does: Psychiatrist: -has an MD behind their name -prescribes medication -has an hour-long 1st session with you and […]
One confusing thing when you are trying to seek help is figuring out which professional to seek out. And what is the difference with all these names? So, here is my simplified version of what each specialty does:
Psychiatrist:
-has an MD behind their name
-prescribes medication
-has an hour-long 1st session with you and then has 15 minute follow-up sessions from then on
-the follow-up sessions are focused on medication management
Psychologist:
-has a PhD behind their name
-conducts testing and assessments
-they meet with you once for a few hours, give you tests and then give you a written evaluation
-their written evaluations usually include a diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan
-the treatment plan could be recommendations about counseling, family counseling, types of therapy, diet guidelines, physical activity that you need to do, etc
-they can do counseling as well
Therapists:
-also called counselors or clinicians
-they have an LPC, LMFT or LCSW abbreviation behind their name
-they provide talk therapy
-talk therapy is a 45-50 minute session where they discuss your background, your goals, your stresses, your emotions, your coping skills, etc
-they can talk to you about pretty much anything
Again, this is a very simplified list using “typical” examples. This list is not exhaustive. Please continue to research options, talk to a professional, and ask questions to feel comfortable with your treatment. Hope this helps!
