Healing Through Forgiveness

Even If Things Are "All Right," Consider Marriage Counseling Ahead Of These Life Changes

28 June 2017 by Kurt Garrett

If you and your spouse stop to think about the health of your relationship, you may deem it to be all right. This sentiment may compel you to carry on as you've been doing, rather than think about areas in which you can improve. This approach may seem to work for you, but professional help is definitely a good idea if some major life changes are on the horizon. Changes in either of your lives can add stress to the relationship, and this stress can ignite issues that were simmering below the surface and even bring up new ones. If you're anticipating any of these changes in the months ahead, booking some pre-emptive marriage counseling sessions is in your best interest.

Having A Child

Having a child is a deeply enriching experience that can often bring spouses closer together. However, there's little doubt that this addition to your family also creates stress. Sleep-shortened nights and chronic fatigue can make you and your spouse more irritable with each other, while you may also clash over differing parenting styles and even the involvement or lack thereof of your respective families. Spending time with a counselor will allow you to better express your individual needs, which will be important as more of your time is occupied with a baby, while also developing better communication so that you're united in how you'll raise the child.

Job Change

Having one person change jobs has the potential to add stress and chaos to a seemingly stable relationship. If you or your spouse anticipates making a career change, you can both feel stronger about your relationship by attending marriage counseling. Your counselor will help you each communicate any concerns that you have about this pending change, as well as develop strategies to be more united. For example, if one spouse will be working more, the other may have to do more around the house. This change may have some obstacles, but communicating neutrally with your counselor will help.

Problem Teenagers

Things in your household can change quickly when your teenager gets into serious trouble at school or with the law. While you may wish to get counselor for the teen, you should also think of you and your spouse. Your relationship may get strained during this trying time. For example, one spouse may chastise the other for not being strict enough if a child has been in trouble with the law. In the safe environment of a counselor's office, you'll both be able to share what's bothering you and work through any issues so that you're united for the good of your teen.

For more information, contact a marriage counseling center, such as New England Family Institute.

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