One of the most difficult issues for a couple to confront is infidelity. Infidelity can be fatal to a marriage — but it doesn’t have to be. Once you decide that your marriage may be worth saving regardless of infidelity, there are measures you can take to save and revitalize your marriage. However, many find that this cannot be done without marriage counseling services. Psychotherapy is not simply for individuals dealing with problems by themselves. We all have emotional issues to heal, often within our most personal relationships. The most important thing to do in situations like these is accept professional help. In some cases, psychotherapy is the only way to save a marriage that seems beyond saving.
Affairs And Deciding To Save Your Marriage
The fact is that infidelity is more common than most of us would like to admit. Good people can make mistakes, and when a marriage is already troubled it’s all too easy for mistakes like extramarital affairs to be made. Some find that it’s easier to forgive infidelity that is short-term; unfortunately, the average affair lasts two years. However, even an affair of this length does not mean your marriage is unsalvageable. If both parties decide to work hard and own up to their own mistakes, there can be hope for almost any marriage. It’s completely normal to feel a wide range of emotions during the process, and it’s important to be aware that emotional challenges such as the discovery of infidelity can result in depression for one or both parties. This is one of the many reasons why marriage counseling is such a positive step — not only does it help you heal your relationship, but the many negative emotions that often rise up in stressful situations like these. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself during such times — it’s estimated 50% of Americans with major depression don’t seek help, and inaction can only hurt both you and your relationship.
The Benefits Of Psychotherapy When Confronting Infidelity
Many want to hide infidelity out of shame. However, by refusing to acknowledge the problems in your relationship you avoid fixing them. A marriage counselor provides an understanding third party who, unlike friends and family, is removed from your personal life. A counselor is non-judgmental and impartial, allowing people to not only “vent” but receive advice in handling their problems with emotional effectiveness and an even hand. It may be tempting to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist versus a therapist when dealing with marital infidelity. However, a therapist can offer services more tailored to your specific problems. Furthermore, a psychiatrist in particular tends to take a more medical approach, which isn’t always the answer when dealing with marital issues. A therapist also tends to provide more cost-effective services. On average, marriage counseling services cost 20 to 40% less than those provides by psychiatrists and psychologists.
Marriage Counseling: What Are The End Results?
Unlike some forms of psychotherapy, marriage counseling is not meant to last for the extreme long term. While some marriage counselors will see patients for years, the duration of the sessions depends on the individual couple. As such, the question is what the results will be when you’re finished with marriage counseling. The Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy reports that on average, 50% of couples who participated in emotionally focused therapy recovered after therapy was finished, with 70% recovering within the next three months. Following work with a therapist, 93% of couples reported having more effective tool with which they could deal with marital issues. These couples also reported better physical health and the ability to function better at work. A total of 98% said that they received good or excellent treatment, while 97% said that they got the help they needed.
The facts make it clear: marriage counseling not only works, but works better than the alternatives. Consider it a more emotionally in touch way of confronting problems, with a focus on people as individuals rather than simply patients.
