Friday, 27 March 2009

Attending Sessions With A Couples Counselor

Couples with poor communication skills who are prone to criticizing each other could be destined to fail, if their behavioral patterns aren't caught in time. The answer is an annual visit to a couples counselor, says Dr. James Cordova, Ph.D., head of a study on marital health check ups.

"So much is what is predictive of a deteriorating relationship is difficult for the couple to detect," he explains. However, years of research have revealed a number of patterns and issues that can be assessed and treated before critical damage occurs.

In the sessions with a couples counselor, Cordova identified several trouble areas. Most notably was the inability to fit their marriage into a busy schedule. He says with some creative problem solving, licensed counselors can help couples find a way to make time.

Often poor communication leaves many spouses coming off overly critical, triggering the other person's deep-seated emotions and feeling emotional drained. It is not all strife and turmoil in the sessions, however. Cordova says he most enjoys asking the couples about how they first got together and made the decision to get married, so they can focus on positive reinforcement and their couple strengths as well.

"Essentially, what we've discovered over time is that marital health is really a health concern. The qualities of a person's marriage and the extent to which they are doing well in that marriage has a dramatic effect on physical health and mental health," said Cordova.

He points out that many studies reveal that couples who stay together often live longer, but also that those who attend sessions with a couples counselor experience fewer physical health issues. Compared to the cost of other treatments, counseling for marriage is extremely low, so why not make a few phone calls today?

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