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.