What to Expect from Marriage Counselling Sessions

Marriage counselling sometimes has a stigma and some consider it a last resort to fix marriage problems. However, it isn't as bad as you think it is. As early as the first year of your marriage, it's a great idea to seek marriage counselling, whether or not you are doing well as a couple. But how do you exactly prepare for it?

The first step is making sure you and your spouse understand its purpose and know what you want to achieve in your counselling. Whether you're seeking help in resolving your issues, or want to improve your already amazing relationship, both parties have to be on the same page. Know that there's truly no harm in seeking help, and counselling may possibly be the best investment you'll ever make in your married life.

The second step is finding the right counsellor. Every counsellor's expertise and style is different, so it's important to find the best one that fits your specific needs. One of the best ways is to ask family members and friends for recommendations. Another way is to search online for counsellors in your area. Read reviews, feedbacks and testimonials, and decide from there. In the Newcastle area, Cooks Hill Counselling is the most prominent. Multiple people have benefitted from David Bulbert and Monica Bound's compassionate and non-judgmental approach to marriage issues and improvement. Talking to the right marriage counsellor gives you an opportunity to be open and honest about your feelings. Counsellors respect your privacy.

The third step is putting yourselves in this mindset that it's okay to talk to a stranger about your married life. Marriage counselling can sometimes make participants experience awkwardness and anxiety of having to open up to someone you don't know. But once you feel you are in a safe space, sharing your feelings becomes easier. You may feel nervous and apprehensive at first, and that's completely normal. Having a complete stranger with unbiased opinions listen and give you advice can actually make you feel better about yourselves and help you communicate with your partner better in the long run.

Lastly, be open to change, and don't be afraid to let your walls down. Go out of your comfort zone, and remember that marriage counselling is a helpful resource for your marriage's growth. Be patient with the experience, with yourself and with your partner. Know that marriage counselling helps build your foundation stronger, and helps strengthen your commitment and can be an important piece of rebuilding your marriage. It helps to not only release negative energy between both partners, but to help understand internal issues and effectively resolve them together.