Catholic Marriage Counseling May Be A Cost Effective Solution

When most people are trying to find a marriage counselor, they typically do not consider going to their local priest or seeking Catholic marriage counseling. Yet this counseling for couples is one of the most cost-effective solutions to bringing people together.

There is no shame in returning to your core Christian principals and values to strengthen the marriage bond. In fact, many priests will tell you that spirituality is the glue that holds a marriage together.

Another type of Catholic marriage counseling is for crisis intervention. Sometimes God's sheep lose their way and succumb to anger or violence. The Catholic Church can help couples learn to forgive, reform and reconcile.

In some cases, the damage or the destructiveness may require another intervention from licensed professional counselors, but the local pastors and priests have community resources at their disposal to deal with whatever discord comes their way.

Catholic marriage counseling is ideal for couples with strong faith who feel as though they're falling off the path. Perhaps they're feeling bored, having adulterous thoughts or are stressing about communication in the household.

The basic premise is that one's faith in God will provide all the strength one needs to sort through the tribulations of married life. Even though matches are said to be "made in Heaven," we can often use a helping hand to remind us of our earthly purpose. Whether you choose a personal couples session, a group seminar or a romantic weekend retreat, Christian marriage counseling is a great start.

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Pre Marriage Counseling Prior To A Marriage Ceremony

Pre marriage counseling with Christian counselors is usually mandated by the Church prior to a marriage ceremony. There are secular alternatives with licensed counselors that couples may choose as well.

These classes can range from one hour to forty hours and cover topics about how to handle conflict, how to make decisions together, how to communicate and strategies for increasing marital satisfaction. Though many people view relationships as being intensely personal, the advantages of preventative care and maintenance are overwhelming.

Money is the main reason why couples should seek pre marriage counseling. It's important that both partners are on the same path, since the top reason for young divorce is financial problems.

Mental health counselors say that the real argument here is over control. One person may accuse the other of slowly seeping all the money out of the joint account through frivolous spending patterns. There are also clashes between those who have saved adequately for their retirements and those who are praying for miracles.

Often, one person will assume control of the finances but fail to budget appropriately, which creates an emergency situation when an unexpected expense pops up. It can be difficult to give up part of your financial independence and begin functioning as a unit, yet among other things, marriage counselors can help ease the transition.

Many pre marriage counseling sessions are more like educational courses, rather than therapy. The counselors are there to teach you ways to comfort your crabby partner after he or she has had "the worst day ever." They'll show you how to communicate your needs and wants without nagging, complaining or accusing.

They'll teach you how to overcome marriage-killer behavioral patterns like stone-walling, criticizing, defensiveness and contemptuousness. Before you say "I Do," you can learn your personal conflict styles and recognize the relationship's strengths and possible weaknesses, which will create better understanding in the long run.

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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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Marriage Counselor May Help Your Relationship

Until the late 20th Century, your marriage counselor might have been a sibling, a parent, a close friend or your pastor. In recent years, mental health counselors and communication therapists have extended their services to help decrease the extremely high divorce rates.

The latest figures estimate that roughly 40% of all marriages end in divorce, which has opened up the doors for licensed counselors. While not every marriage is salvageable, many couples report that the "mutually agreed upon chance to start over" led to a number of significant improvements, both in habits and in attitudes.

Exercise care when choosing a marriage counselor. Not all marriage therapists are licensed, certified, or specializes in couples counseling for marriage. Most states mandate that licensed therapists have a master's or doctoral degree, graduated marriage training and have gained credentials from the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, so ask about these things when calling around.

You may be able to get recommendations from your health insurer, your physician, local clergy or friends. Before attending a session, you'll want to find out the cost and what's covered by health insurance, as well as the duration and frequency of the sessions. Find out how many sessions you're expected to attend and what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule.

The outcome of visiting a marriage counselor depends very much upon your chemistry with the counselor, as well as your firm resolve to improve. Sometimes your partner may refuse to come with you. In that case, you may still benefit from learning more about your relationship, your feelings and your reactionary pattern of behavior. Sometimes it just takes one person to break the cycle of negativity in your home.

Regardless of whose fault the initial controversies were, it often only takes one committed person to end the cycle of drama. Counseling for couples can cost anywhere from $45-$200 per hour, with an average cost of $100; however, when compared to the $1,500-$30,000 for a divorce, it's chump change for years of bliss and better understanding.

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Marriage Counseling Services Helping You Meet Challenges In Life

There are numerous marriage counseling services at your disposal, whether you're newly married or a seasoned veteran. Sometimes there are obvious signs of trouble, such as drug or alcohol abuse, sex addiction or physical abuse.

These dire situations will not benefit from basic counseling for couples, but rather demand a more specialized program with licensed professional counselors who are trained to deal with these situations. For couples who simply feel their happiness waning, there are other marriage therapists available.

For those who were raised with faith, this is a good anchor to return to for marriage counseling services. Maybe you were married in the church and started on the right foot, going to services each Sunday, but as your schedules became busier and busier you lost your way.

An old proverb says "A family that prays together, stays together," which is entirely true. Choosing to be together is more than just a legal contract, it is a spiritual bond and communal journey.

Using pastoral counselors to rebuild your spiritual connection can be very comfortable because you're dealing with someone whom you already know, trust and respect a great deal. Christian marriage counselors can be for couples, groups or individuals. They can be in sessions, seminars or workshops and they're generally very cost-effective.

Online marriage counseling services are available for those who don't have the time or the gumption to go to actual sessions. The cost of online therapy with licensed counselors may be $2/minute, which is comparable to the cost of a normal session or they may charge a one-time fee for materials like quizzes, books and skill building presentations.

You may be able to email licensed counselors, participate in video conferences or gain access to local resources. These treatments are not as effective as face-to-face counseling for a couple but are better than nothing, if time or money is limited.

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Improving Your Relationships With Greeting Cards

Receiving a greeting card gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, just like mom's hot apple pie or the hug of a warm sweater fresh from the dryer. To keep in touch with someone or let them know you're thinking of them, postcards, letters and greeting cards are the best. However, for special occasions or very special friends, there are balloon bouquets and other specialty gifts available too.

"One of the hottest trends in retail today is to engage the senses of a consumer. Americans have a passion for scented products. Our sense of smell is the strongest of all human senses and is directly linked to memory and emotion," said business owner April Seals-Partner.

She first came up with the idea of creating her line of "Scentsational" greeting cards when her clients raved about the delicious smell of her Belgian chocolate. "I thought about how nice it would be to send them a thank you card with the same scent," she added.

The cards are certainly a novelty, as they puff out calming and invigorating scents, like an ocean breeze, coffee, vanilla, lavender, lemon and roses. The best part is that a portion of the proceeds from each card sold will be donated to a breast cancer research foundation.

Instead of greeting cards, there are many other ways to send well wishes. Cookie bouquets with written messages are a popular way to say "Happy Graduation" or "Congratulations for Your New Baby!" Floral bouquets are popular for birthdays and Valentine's Day sentiments.

Gift baskets can be purchased online to send to business clients, parents or other loved ones as a thoughtful gesture too. No matter what your budget or your intention happens to be, physically mailing something to someone is one of the nicest things you can do and the joy of being remembered often resonates for months or even years.

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Tips For Buying Flowers Online

Consumers purchasing flowers online continues to be the top product exchanged on the internet. For as little as $20, you can send well wishes to a loved one and brighten their day.

A flower delivery not only surprises and impresses someone in the short term, but also has been proven to have a lasting effect on one's mood. People who receive flowers are generally happier, more sociable and more relaxed. Nothing says it like natural flora!

Secondly, you'll want to read the terms of ordering flowers online. Read over the replacement and refund policy, as well as the freshness guarantee. Nothing's worse than paying to have a beautiful arrangement arrive, only to find that some of the blooms are wilted! Find out who is in charge of delivering the flowers. Is it a ground carrier like FedEx or is it a local flower shop? You should accept nothing less than a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on your order.

When choosing flowers online, find a florist with years of experience, has industry credentials and provides consumer testimonials. Look for secure ordering, a satisfaction guarantee and a seller that has won awards.

Many people prefer looking up local flower shops, but some national sites have a good reputation, such as www.ftd.com, www.proflowers.com and www.teleflora.com, to name a few. Be aware that the middle man sites may be scooping a nice commission before passing on the order to a local florist, who fills up to dollar value, resulting in less flowers than you anticipated.

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Flowers And Gifts With Balloon Bouquets

Flowers and gifts are heartfelt expressions that the brain registers in the same way it would language. Red rose bouquets can say "I love you" or balloon bouquets can say "Get Well Soon."

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark observed people receiving gifts and noticed that there was brain activity in the areas generally used for reading, deriving semantic meanings and metaphoric processing. There are many opportunities for gift giving and the internet has made expressing oneself easier than ever!

Often men are the givers of flowers and gifts but not the receivers, even though they too have an appreciation for flora. According to The Society of American Florists, over 60% of men surveyed said they would like to receive flowers on Valentines Day. They also found that men preferred vivid colors like red, orange and yellow, with contemporary or linear themes.

They like flowers with strong clean lines, like roses, carnations or gerberas. Men report feeling calmer, more connected, more social and more creative when flowers are around. For example, a Texas A&M study found that flowers in the workplace improved men's creative problem-solving skills, generating 15% more ideas than a workplace without blooms.

Flowers and gifts can be found at the local flower shop, but there are many more options online, and it saves the trip! There are thousands of sites to choose from, but www.ftd.com, www.proflowers.com and www.1-800-flowers.com are three of the most popular options.

Gift givers can choose and send books, gift certificates, food, wine, candy, balloons, flowers, teddy bears, cards and more at these sites, which offer unlimited expressions of kindness.

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Flower Bouquets Arrangements For Your Sweetheart

Thoughtfulness is the key to any stellar gift, flower bouquets included. The recipient of the flowers should be taken into consideration more than belaboring what each individual flower means. Is she traditional or exotic? Does she like warm pinks and reds or cool blues and purples?

Is a rose the ultimate gift for her, or would she prefer an iris? Sometimes it helps to actually go to a flower shop, smell the roses and examine fillers like baby's breath or forget-me-nots. Other times, the convenience of the internet allows a more comfortable shopping experience where buyers don't feel pressured or rushed.

Flower bouquets can also speak of one's personality. For instance, bold lovers will like eye-popping purples, yellows and reds, varying textures and a few larger non-traditional flowers that speak of their dynamism. Artistic lovers will appreciate the more exotic and uncommon shapes, colors and flowers.

For instance, birds of paradise, African tulips, Madagascar periwinkles, passion flowers, rainbow shower tree flowers, safari sunset flowers, glory bush and crown of thorns flowers are all creative tropical blooms that will capture the creative thinker's imagination. Free-spirited nature lovers may prefer flowering plants or natural scents like peonies, lavender and jasmine, offset by an accent like ivy. Classic romantics will love rose bouquets.

No matter which flowers are selected, timing is everything. The best thing about flower bouquets is that most websites offer same day flower delivery, which means someone's bad day can quickly be transformed when a fresh bouquet arrives at work!

A sudden trip to the hospital or the death of a family pet won't seem as tragic when a vivid floral arrangement arrives. Thoughtfulness can go a long way, whether it's a wildflower selected on a romantic stroll through the park or an orchestrated celebratory bouquet that comes by mail.

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Celebrate With Bouquets

You're at the office when suddenly it dawns on you; it's your wedding anniversary! You need a proper gift and you need it fast! Instead of rushing out of the office and trying to throw something together at the mall and then wrapping it on your way home, why not just peruse a number of thoughtful bouquets online and send one of those?

They range from "Get Well" balloon bouquets and edible "Happy Bosses' Day" arrangements to birthday flowers and anniversary gift baskets. The good news is that most of these sites offer same-day delivery!

For a unique gift, there are "edible arrangements" to send at www.ediblearrangements.com. Instead of the traditional flowers, a gift giver can send an arrangement of chocolate-dipped strawberries or beautifully arranged mixed fruit for any occasion.

For instance, the Bosses' Day arrangement includes pineapple daisies, cantaloupe, fresh strawberries, grapes and chocolate covered orange slices with a special "Thank You/Happy Bosses' Day" balloon! A party bouquet also makes a great table setting and appetizer!

To really light up a loved one's life, gift givers can purchase a 3, 6 or 12 month "Bouquet of the Month" club, which will keep sending new bouquets to surprise that special someone. Prices start as low as $30 and range just over $400 (for the 12-month club).

Bouquets aren't always necessarily gifts. Often times, they're used to bring joy to a celebration, to decorate and to add ambiance. For instance, wedding bouquets can enhance a bride's appearance and experience. Cascading can slim a self-conscious bride, while shorter brides may want a round arrangement to make them look taller.

Cascading and hand-tied bridal bouquets can take the emphasis away from a bride's wide hips, while a round one will balance out a petite bride. A hand-tied bouquet is popular for the natural, "fresh-from-the-garden" casual look. Once the style is chosen, there is still color and bloom variety to contend with, so choosing one is a very personal experience.

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Zodiac Sign Highlights Your Talents

The signs of the Zodiac can give us great insights into our day to day lives, as well as the many talents and special qualities we possess. You can discover a great deal of relevant information about yourself through reading about your Zodiac sign. In this article, we'll tell you how you can use the information provided by your sign in order to improve your life.

No matter what your Zodiac sign is, your personality and experiences will be influenced by the other signs. Based on the date of birth, place of birth and time of birth, an astrologist can give you a very accurate portrait of your character and tell you many things about your past and future, talents and flaws.

If you're the proud parent of a new baby, then you can get a glimpse of your child's future by reading about his or her sign. This may lead you to encourage certain traits in your child.

Your Zodiac sign can guide you to a more fulfilling life by highlighting your talents and flaws. For example, if your sign makes you predisposed to vanity, you can work on finding true value in life.

Many people regularly consult their daily horoscope before leaving home in the morning. You can look in the newspaper or online for a free horoscope to find out what your day has in store for you.

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Vedic Astrology Nourishes Your Life

Reading your daily horoscope is a regular part of western life, but in other parts of the world, astrology is a more encompassing way of existence. With Vedic astrology, you nourish your body as well as your mind and soul. In this article, we'll examine this eastern tradition and compare it to the practices that we've come to know in the western world.

Astrology used to be a far more common practice in western society than it is today. In some parts of the world, Vedic astrology is a way of life. As with western beliefs, the Vedic version can help you choose a profession, a mate or even a doctor! The goal is to create a fusion between body and mind, by expanding consciousness and achieving a state of total bliss, and by nourishing the body through a healthy vegetarian diet.

Practitioners of Vedic astrology lead a very holistic way of life. Like western astrology, it analyses a person's nature and forecasts the future. However, Vedic is a far more encompassing means of existence. Regardless of which discipline you choose to follow, the purpose of astrology is to guide you toward a fuller and more satisfying life.

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Choosing Better Astrology Books

If you want to be a good astrologer, you'll need a good library of astrology books. These guides to the stars, planets and the Zodiac will act as your guide, as you help to lead people to their destiny.

As far as astrology books go, "Parker's Astrology" by Julia & Derek Parker, is a favorite among the astrology enthusiasts because of its wonderful images and concise information. It begins with the history of astrology, provides an overview of the solar system and introduces the foundational concepts.

The essence of each aspect of astrology is well explained and there is a section that instructs you on casting your own birth chart. There's also a user-friendly planetary aspect finder in the back, plus astrological tables to use to look up your natal planets.

The bookstore or library isn't the only place to find astrology books. Cyberspace is packed with websites dedicated to astrology, your daily horoscope, numerology and exploring the signs of the Zodiac.

You can find sites dedicated to the history of astrology, practical sites that teach the art of astrology and sites dedicated to the theories behind various beliefs. Whether you're interested in learning more about your personal horoscope or you want to uncover the history of various peoples, the internet is a wonderful resource.

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Chinese Astrology With Animal Zodiac Signs

Astrology is an integral part of Chinese philosophy and culture. From the numbers used for their home addresses, to when they marry and have children, many Chinese adhere to what they believe is written-in-the-stars. In this article, we'll explore the ancient art of Chinese astrology and how it is integrated into everyday life.

Like in western astrology, each sign is linked to a month of the solar year. However, in Chinese astrology, the signs are also related to a season and the elements are believed to transfer some of its characteristics to the sign concerned. In the 60 year cycle, the fixed element, which is concerned with the year, month and hour signs, is separate from the cycle of elements which interact with the signs.

The famous Chinese new year celebrations are filled with prominently displayed symbols from Chinese astrology and this is indicative of how proudly the culture practices these beliefs. Many important life decisions are based on these beliefs and the ancient philosophy is widely accepted as part of the everyday culture. This clearly indicates how astrology readings can, and do, shape lives.

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Consulting An Astrologer

People who believe that their future is mapped out in the stars may recruit the services of an astrologer. These experts in astrology readings are believed to guide people toward their true destiny.

When you mention astrology, most people imagine fortune tellers wrapped in sparkling shawls gazing into a crystal ball. However, using astrology is a very complicated process. An experienced astrologer uses birth data to develop a personal horoscope using the stars, planets, the Zodiac and houses, and the methods employed depends on the particular astrological tradition they use.

This information is intended to help an individual understand their strengths, weaknesses and potentials, and then it is up to the person to apply this information to correct problems or otherwise improve their life.

Even if a person doesn't believe that their future is written in the stars, there is no denying the uncanny accuracy of astrology. Most astrologers do not claim to be able to predict the future, they simply track the details of your birthday to uncover information about the person you were born to be.

It is then up to you to act on the information. Whether you consider consulting an astrologer a lark or a serious step in determining your future, find one who's talents suit your needs. It may result in a reading that changes your life forever.

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The Deeper Significance Of Tarot Readings

To sceptics, tarot readings are vain attempts to see into the future. However, to the believers, these cards are a guide to what lays ahead. From choosing a partner to making vacation plans, they are believed to be able to help people gain insight into their lives. In this article, we'll find out if the art of tarot card reading can predict what's in store for you.

The one performing the tarot readings, lays down the cards, reads the pictures and receives subconscious ideas and impressions. This combination is what they use to interpret the meaning of the cards.

Many people become very concerned when certain cards arise - especially the death card. However, there is usually a deeper significance. For instance, the death card could mean the end or "death" of a phase of life that has nothing to do with an actual physical demise. The reading has to be examined to discover how it applies to your life.

Tarot readings are often depicted as shady fortune telling, which often predicts death and misery. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the information revealed in a tarot card reading is intended to give insight into ways a person can change their lot in life. Shuffle those cards well!

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