Does Marriage Counselling Help? Insights from a Calgary Marriage Counsellor

What is Marriage Counselling?

Marriage counselling addresses various concerns, including lack of communication, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, infidelity, and life transitions. It typically involves sessions with a trained, licensed therapist who facilitates open communication, explores underlying issues, and offers guidance to strengthen the emotional connection between you and your partner. 

How does Marriage Counselling Work?

A marriage counsellor or relationship therapist witnesses how a couple interacts and treats one another through virtual connection or face-to-face meetings in an office setting. The therapist then devises a customized plan to start the reconciliation process. What works for one couple may not work for another. 

Key Benefits of Marriage Counselling

Calgary marriage therapy has many benefits, including improving communication in relationships, conflict resolution, and a stronger emotional connection. 

Improved Communication

Your therapist will encourage you and your partner to actively listen, effectively express your emotions, and pay attention to non-verbal communication.

• Active listening: Marriage counselling teaches you and your partner to genuinely hear and understand each of your perspectives without judgment. 
• Effective expression: Express your thoughts and feelings clearly and constructively, including how to voice your needs, desires, and concerns.
• Non-verbal communication: Your tone of voice and body language can help you convey your emotions and better understand your partner. 

Conflict Resolution

Couples counselling helps partners learn strategies to resolve conflicts productively and in a healthy way. You can prevent conflicts from escalating by learning to identify triggers, find compromises, and use “I” statements. 

Strengthen Emotional Connection

Effective marriage counselling in Calgary gives couples the tools and techniques to rebuild and strengthen their emotional bonds. Some of the more common strategies may include:

• Emotional regulation
• Boundary setting
• Communication exercises
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Assertiveness training
• Reconnecting exercises
• Forgiveness and healing

When to Seek Marriage Counselling

Couples counselling can be invaluable for resolving various relationship challenges in Calgary. Knowing when to consider marriage counselling is essential, as the earlier you seek help, the less escalation you and your partner endure. Here are some common signs that may indicate the need for couples counselling:

• Persistent communication issues
• Escalating conflicts 
• Trust or infidelity issues
• Emotional disconnection
• Loss of emotional intimacy
• Major life transitions 
• Unresolved past issues
• Lack of sexual intimacy
• One-sided effort
• Gut feeling
• Being proactive

Can Marriage be Saved After Infidelity?

The short answer is yes. Your marriage can be saved after infidelity — if you both want it to work. However, diagnosing and working through the relationship problems that led to being unfaithful takes time, honesty, and hard work.

Some of the more common reasons for infidelity are:

• Feeling neglected
• Falling out of love
• Revenge
• Feeling unappreciated
• Sexual boredom
• Different sexual appetites
• Opportunity

Success in Marriage Counselling

Therapists often see one partner being resistant to counselling. If this sounds familiar, try having an open, empathetic conversation with your loved one about the benefits of counselling and how it could benefit you, and even share some marriage counselling success stories. 

Commitment and willingness to participate are essential to your success. Marriage counsellors skilled in working with resistance can help create a more welcoming, supportive environment that facilitates change. 

Limitations of Marriage Counselling

Choosing the right couples counsellor can help you avoid common hurdles in your relationship rebuild. Here are some steps and factors to consider when choosing couples therapy in Calgary:

• Both partners must be open and willing to change
• Know that there may be some emotional discomfort involved
• Consider costs, location, and schedule
• Research and read reviews
• Verify the therapist’s licensing and credentials
• Evaluate their specialization and experience 
• Understand their therapeutic approach
• Schedule a consultation to ensure you and your partner feel comfortable and compatible
• Ask questions (success rates, what to expect, etc.)

Considering Couples Therapy in Calgary?

Restore your connection with The Love of Attraction. 

Choosing a counsellor in Calgary isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a proactive step toward strengthening your relationship and sparking the passion that drew you together in the first place.

Our licensed therapists help you work through the problems that lead to seemingly endless relationship struggles. We offer the tools and insights to navigate challenges and create a more fulfilling, healthier partnership.

Rebuilding your relationship is possible. Contact your Calgary couples therapist to book your appointment or for more information.