Couples counseling? Individual therapy? Anyone tried it with success??

Question

Having relationship problems. Considering couples counseling and possibly individual therapy. Has anyone taken part in either and experienced success?

Answer 1

YES, my husband and I both went and it has helped us. We learned a few tricks together to improve our communication skills.

Go for it. If it turns out that you feel uncomfortable or it is not helpful then do not return. Even if it does not help save your marriage it could help the breakup go easier.

Answer 2

Here is what I consider to be the low-down on that... If you can't get your spouse to go, you should look at individual therapy first and then see if that leads anywhere. If your spouse will go, then I would do the couples counseling.

The problem here though is that you haven't told us enough to help you with this. It really depends on the situation. It depends on how messed up the relationship is and how much of the mess is being created by you. Of course, here, we only hear one side of the story but many of us can see around that and fill in the other side a little from imagination.

Perhaps you should tell us more about what sort of relationship problems you are having. If it involves physical abuse, don't even bother with the counseling and just get out and get safe -- then figure out what to do next.

Wish I could have been more helpful.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I've been in AA for 30 days. I had all the same concerns you did going into the program. I have found it to be an empowering, supportive, understanding group. It's overwhelming going in because the people are so happy and friendly. Many people who do not believe in a higher power frown on AA. Your higher power does not have to be God, I've heard people say they see the group as their higher power or even a pet. Each AA meeting has its own feel, it's own regulars, and it's own culture so don't just go to one, try several. I now know what groups I like and what groups I don't. AA is nice because you can literally call for help 24/7 and someone will either talk to you or often times come to where u are. Now I've met many friends in AA and they are different from my outside AA friends because we do things that would not cause temptation (like going to a bar). There are young peoples meetings, spanish meetings, mens meeting, womens meetings, gay and lesbian meetings. At some meetings a speaker speeks and at some meetings there is a discusion. You are never expected to speak unless you want you. I would at least give a few different meetings a try and see if it's for you. I just recently got a sponsor in AA and am excited about working the 12 steps not just for my addiction but because it will make me an overall better person. I also have alot of ammends I need to make and need the support of others to properly make them. Read those 12 steps and see if, other than the God thing, if it doesn't seem like it could help in other areas too.

Answer 4

I have been very successful with individual counseling. Marriage counseling didn't work because the ex was in denial & saw that I was the problem - overlooking his drinking & verbal abuse.

I have become independent, I enjoy life, & even dating... now I can find someone because I want to - not need to.

Answer 5

I went into counseling for alcohol. Totally on my own, no court order or anything like that. And turns out, I really looked forward to it every week because it really let me vent and feel better afterwards. Most of the time we talked about other stuff going on in my life. Relationships and what-not. It is really nice to go and vent to a person who has a completely unbias opinion about what you have to say. You relive yourself of all the hurtful things you may want to say to your partner, family, friends, etc. I recommend it!!!

Answer 6

I've taken part in marriage counseling and I found it to be a complete success. We are still going and it just gets better.

Answer 7

Both my parents and my partners parents have done both couples and individual counselling and from what I can observe, both are happy.

If you want to do counselling, you might have to go to more than one counsellor until you find one that is right for you. Different counsellors have different styles.

Answer 8

"The proper care and feeding of Marriage" Dr. Laura

The BEST therapy you can get, and it only costs about 25 bucks. read it, i'm serious..will DEFINATLY help ;)

Answer 9

Well, considering how ugly you are, I'd think a caddle prod would be necessary.

Answer 10

I don't believe counseling works...