# Everything You Need to Know About Marriage Counseling


There are several things you need to know before beginning therapy. These include identifying the right type of therapy for you, insurance coverage, and what to expect during individual therapy sessions. This article will also discuss the importance of relationship assessments and conflict resolution. Hopefully, you'll be able to use this information to make a more informed decision about whether marriage counseling is right for you.

## Insurance coverage

Whether or not your health insurance will cover marriage counseling depends on your policy details. Most plans cover only one session with each counselor. This isn't practical for many couples since marriages usually require a longer course of treatment. However, there are some ways to avoid losing coverage. First, call your insurance company and ask if your policy covers marriage counseling. They should be able to tell you how many sessions are covered.

Another way to get coverage for marriage counseling is through your employer's Employee Assistance Program. These programs offer confidential assessments and short-term counseling. Some companies also provide referral and follow-up services. Some programs are in-house, while others contract out to outside mental health providers.

## Individual therapy sessions

Individual therapy sessions in marriage counseling are designed to provide couples with tools and support to improve their interactions. A therapist will help you define goals and focus on specific issues and behaviors that affect your relationship. These sessions can also help you explore your history and find ways to build connectivity and peace between you. In addition to addressing your problems, a therapist like [Psychiatrist Burlington](https://kentuckycounselingcenter.com/burlington/) can help you overcome common patterns of negative behaviors that impact your relationship.

While many couples doubt that marriage counseling is worthwhile, it can help your relationship heal. Couples experiencing a serious conflict may consider bringing it up in an individual therapy session. Using genograms, which depict the family tree to the grandparents, can help you and your partner identify and discuss these issues. A therapist may also coach you on responding to situations using "stems," which ask you to think of reasons you should not do something or say something. These exercises can help you and your partner think outside the box and repair your relationship.

## Relationship assessment

A relationship assessment can give couples insights into their partners and personalities. This can help them reconnect with one another and maintain their mental well-being. An assessment can also help them discuss sensitive issues and bring back the passion in their relationship. A relationship assessment is especially helpful for married couples who want to renew their relationship.

The Prepare and Enrich assessment is a proven tool for assessing a couple's compatibility and strengths. It compares partners' scores on relationship elements, such as romance, emotional connection, commitment, and values. The results help couples identify areas for growth and provide actionable recommendations.

## Conflict resolution

Couples who attend marriage counseling are encouraged to work on conflict resolution skills and techniques. Research has shown that couples who utilize a mediator are more likely to resolve those who don't. Using a mediator can effectively work out a conflict between the partners and prevent it in the future.

When two partners disagree, it's helpful to take a step back and consider what is important to each person. You can prevent escalation and build a stronger relationship by expressing your disagreements and feelings. In addition, it can help to take a deep breath and try to come to a compromise.

## Discernment counseling

Discernment counseling for marriage counseling is a valuable tool for helping a couple to understand their current relationship and what they can do to move forward. Unlike traditional counseling, it does not assume that staying together or filing for divorce will be a failure; instead, it assumes that the two partners can work out a solution together.

Couples often go into counseling with different agendas. For example, one partner wants to go to couples counseling, while the other may want to stay in the marriage. These are called mixed divorce agenda couples, and more than one-third of all divorced couples are of this type. Discernment counseling was created to address the specific needs of mixed-agenda couples.