Marriage counselors use several different techniques to help couples improve their relationship. They may use traditional talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, Gottman Therapy, or Imago Therapy. Counselors may also use marriage education, co-parenting, and skill-building exercises.
During your first session with your marriage counselor, you and your partner will discuss the issues you’d like to work on and your goals as a couple. An expert marriage counselor will make you and your spouse feel comfortable and supported in a relaxing environment. The marriage counselor focuses on making sure both partners feel heard and take equal turns expressing themselves in a calm respectful way. The marriage counselor will then discuss a plan for the follow-up sessions. Your marriage counselor may suggested only meeting together as a couple or suggest meeting together and separately depending on the issues that need to repaired. Most couples find a positive improvement within 4-6 sessions.