"I wish I had known this years ago!" When Do You Start Marriage Counseling?

Typically couples start marriage counseling when it's too late - after an affair, when they're thinking about divorce, when there are years and years of anger and resentment built up.  Although counseling can help a couple at almost any time, the sooner you start counseling, the more likely the couple will be able to make significant positive changes in their relationship.

The best time to start couples counseling is when you first see signs of issues.  Even before there are any issues, most couples can benefit from counseling.  During one of my sessions with a couple, one client said, "I wish I had known this years ago."  If couples were to start couples counseling early on then they can avoid issues that can develop over time.  Here are some signs that couples counseling is a good option:

1. When you're not talking
2. When you don't feel like your partner hears you
3. When you're communicating in a negative way - where you feel judged, shamed, disregarded or the tone of communication is condescending or sarcastic
4. When affection is withheld as punishment
5. When you see your partner as an adversary
6. When you keep secrets
7. When you're considering having an affair
8. When you find you're staying together for the children

Couples counseling can be a safe place to learn how to heal through awareness, compassion and behavior change.  When couples are committed to the process, they can develop a truly connected relationship where they remember why they fell in love.