Important Aspects On Couples Counseling Chicago Residents Should Understand

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By Jason Ellis


Virtually all relationships undergo challenges from time to time. The challenges range from simple to complex and a stable relationship should withstand most of them. In some cases, however, the differences are very huge and the partners struggle to find a solution. When the existing disagreements have a potential to break the relationship then you need to sign up for therapy. There are several important things on couples counseling Chicago residents need to understand.

Making a decision to go for therapy is not easy for most couples. The general belief is that counseling is a last resort measure to save a marriage or relationship after everything else has failed. For a great majority, the suggestion is in fact made by a relative or friend. Nothing can be further from the truth. Having therapy is useful even for a relationship that is considered stable.

Once the couple decides to sign up for therapy, their next task is to look for a qualified therapist (marriage counselor). Recommendations can be obtained from relatives, friends and from the internet. If you cannot find a therapist then consider other alternatives. Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists are have some training in therapy and may be of help. Religious leaders may also offer some useful advice.

The duration of therapy varies depending on the magnitude of the problem. Generally, therapies are divided into two: short term and long term. The short term therapy comprises one two three sessions while the long term option is between 12 and 24 sessions. One sessions is typically between 30 and 45 minutes. Focused therapy is a sub-type of counseling that takes the shortest period of time.

For the therapy to be successful, each party to the process must recognize the fact that each individual has a unique personality with a distinct value system. Being party to different institutions and societal organizations may mean that behaviors may vary to some extent. It is not always possible to get other people to agree with our beliefs. Counseling focuses on solving underlying problems by helping partners reach a compromise position with regard to their beliefs.

Therapy gives the partners an opportunity to reflect on the past and to understand how it influences the present. In many cases, problems have a history and build up slowly until they become full blown. By understanding how the problems started they will be better placed to come up with solutions. They learn why their arguments escalate and find out how they can communicate more effectively with each other.

The work of a therapist is to be a facilitator. They will not issue instructions on how a particular problem should be sorted out. The best that they can do is to offer their personal opinion and some guidance. The couple must remember that solutions will have to come from them. Partners should be able to freely discuss their affairs before the therapist without the fear of being judged.

There are many reasons as to why marital relationships may be strained. These include among others, lack of trust, financial issues, betrayal or affairs, family conflicts, unmet parenting responsibilities and so on. Couples counseling helps the concerned parties to solve their problems by learning to recognize their varying beliefs and abilities and communicating better with each other. The duration of therapy will vary depending on the nature of the relationship and the magnitude of the problem.




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