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Thrive Counseling Center
Therapy for Individuals, Couples & Family
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When to Get Marriage Counseling?

October 22, 2023
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Posted By: Dr. Deborah Bloom
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If your marriage feels strained or you and your spouse are struggling, perhaps you should consider marriage counseling in Federal Way, Washington State, or even online. At Thrive Counseling Center, we recommend seeking marriage counseling in Federal Way as soon as you and your spouse begin to notice potential problems within your marriage. 

How Can Counseling Help My Marriage?

Marriage can be tricky, and it's reasonable to experience ups and downs throughout your relationship. When your marriage begins to struggle and suffer daily or weekly, however, it's a sign that you likely need to take some time to work through the issues. And that's where marriage counseling comes in.

You can seek marriage counseling anytime, but your sessions will be most beneficial if you don't wait until issues are at a boiling point. We encourage couples to contact us when their problems first develop rather than waiting until they've spent months having the same fight repeatedly.

The sooner you begin working with a licensed marriage counselor so you can work through your problems, the sooner you can get back on the path to a healthy marriage.

Benefits of Marriage Counseling at Thrive Counseling Center

Marriage counseling, offered by the experts at Thrive Counseling Center in Federal Way, provides an array of benefits for couples seeking to fortify their bond, including:

  • Enhanced Communication: A safe space allows couples to express feelings openly and work on active listening skills.
  • Conflict Resolution: Marriage counselors offer strategies for resolving disputes in a productive way.
  • Strengthened Connection: Couples often rekindle emotional closeness and intimacy through marriage therapy.
  • Improved Understanding: Counseling helps understand both partners' needs and concerns.
  • Skills for the Future: Apart from addressing current concerns, couples are equipped with tools to handle future challenges.

Common Signs of Marital Issues

Recognizing potential red flags in a marriage before they escalate is crucial. Some common signs include:

  • Constant arguing over minor issues
  • Decreased physical intimacy or emotional connection
  • Avoiding spending time together
  • Differences in parenting styles causing frequent conflicts
  • Financial disagreements
  • Feeling more like roommates than life partners

Types of Marriage Counseling

At Thrive Counseling Center, we understand that every marriage is unique. Our offerings reflect that understanding:

  • Couples Counseling: Both partners attend sessions together to address collective concerns.
  • Individual Counseling: Sometimes, individual sessions are beneficial for one or both partners to address personal issues impacting the marriage.
  • Online Counseling: Especially pertinent for residents across Washington State, online counseling offers flexibility without compromising quality.
  • In-person Counseling: Our primary center in Federal Way provides a welcoming environment for face-to-face therapy.

What Happens at Marriage Counseling?

During counseling appointments with a licensed therapist, you and your spouse can address roadblocks or red flags in your relationship. At each session, you'll work alongside your counselor while you talk about issues such as:

  • Financial concerns
  • Religious differences
  • Opinions on how to raise your children
  • Problems with intimacy or physical connection
  • Work-related stressors 
  • Lackluster communication skills
  • Insecurities in your relationship

Each counseling session will look different depending on your current needs and the issues you're experiencing at that moment. While one therapy visit might focus on sharing household chores and financial responsibilities, your next session could shift entirely, and you could be talking about your children or problems with extended family.

Your counselor will lead some sessions and spend a lot of time talking and asking questions, while other sessions will mainly consist of you and your spouse talking through your feelings in a safe, supervised space.

Finding the Right Therapist

Selecting a therapist is a deeply personal choice. The right marriage counselors possess expertise and resonate with both partners' values, concerns, and goals. At Thrive Counseling Center, we recommend initial consultations to ensure a good fit. Remember, the journey of healing and growth is a partnership between the couple and the therapist.

Whether online or in-person in Federal Way, marriage therapy can be a transformative journey. Thrive Counseling Center's skilled marriage counselors are dedicated to guiding couples toward a healthier, happier union.

How Can I Schedule Marriage Counseling in Federal Way?

At Thrive Counseling Center, we're accepting new clients and are happy to work with struggling couples. Please call us at (206) 567-7267 to schedule your first session!

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