Couples & Marital Counseling
Premarital Counseling
First of All, Congratulations!
This is an exciting time for both of you. I am sure the planning process is in full swing or will be soon, and the wedding will be beautiful. As amazing as that day will be, remember it is only one day and there will be many more days you will spend together. Some will be filled with excitement, laughs, and adventure; others will undoubtedly include conflict, letdowns, and struggles. So, why not invest in your relationship now and prepare for these challenges?
What is Premarital Counseling?
Premarital counseling isn’t a compatibility test or a gauntlet to run. It’s an educational process designed to support your relationship by providing the tools and coaching you’ll need to build a fulfilling life together in the years to come. It also helps to set realistic expectations for marriage or a long-term relationship by equipping couples with practical conflict-resolution skills and strategies for when issues do arise.
What to Expect
Couples will work together through the Prepare/Enrich curriculum. Before the first session, both partners will be given an assessment to complete, which will be reviewed at the first session. This is not a test that is used to determine compatibility but will help identify unique strengths and growth areas. The remaining sessions will:
▪ Explore personality traits
▪ Strengthen communication skills
▪ Teach skills to resolve conflicts and reduce stress
▪ Compare family backgrounds
▪ Discuss financial planning and budgeting
▪ Establish personal, couple, and family goals
Visit https://www.prepare-enrich.com for more information on the Prepare/Enrich curriculum.
Couples & Marital Counseling
Is There Hope?
Couples often come in for counseling at a point where they believe their relationship is beyond repair. Communication has broken down, they lack trust, and intimacy no longer exists. Many couples feel anxious about trying couples therapy because of the stigma. "What does this mean about my relationship?" "Are we not a happy couple anymore?" "What will my partner think when I say we should do marriage counseling?"
Some people tell themselves they don’t need help, that things are “fine.” Sometimes, one partner blames the other and believes their issues are one-way. Giving yourselves a chance to address this in therapy increases your chance of repairing the relationship. Here are some common issues couples counseling can help address:
▪ Different communication styles
▪ Parenting conflicts
▪ Emotional distancing
▪ Feeling attacked and misunderstood
▪ High conflict arguments
▪ Feeling shut out or abandoned
▪ Sexual & intimacy issues
▪ Rebuilding trust
▪ Affair recovery
Becoming a Team Again
We frequently hear that couples have lost time for one another in their busy lives. The trust is gone, they feel betrayed, their sexual lives and desires have diminished, or they fight and argue about the same things and never find a resolution. Some underlying issues we may address are communication, conflict resolution, money and finances, sex and intimacy problems, fighting and anger issues, gender roles, addiction, in-law struggles, religion, values, pregnancy, and many more. The goal is to have you both act as a team to work through your difficulties and find a way to move forward.
Divorce
Finding Peace Amidst Divorce
You may be looking for help to deal with one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, to separate from a person you once and possibly even still love. We can help you do this in a caring and empowering way so you understand how you got here, minimize blame, find acknowledgment, and express anger and hurt in a safe and supportive place. Divorce is a challenging process and so many feelings arise during that process. We can help you get through it so that the outcome is better for you and your children, if present.
Divorce with Children
Parents going through divorce or separation often struggle with figuring out how to guide their children through these tough times. Children need a lot of reassurance during this period, which can make it even harder. Parents find themselves emotionally stretched as they try to lead their families through the changes. This can be tough for well-meaning parents who just want what's best for their kids. Clear Skies Counseling can help parents work through these challenges and find solutions together.