Marriage Counseling for a Bump in the Road
Hi, I’m Angela, I have a husband with bipolar 2 disorder, my kids have ADHD, and I myself have struggled with depression—YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
This week’s mental health tips addresses marriage counseling when you hit a bump in the road.
It’s completely normal for every couple to experience struggles in marriage. It’s a part of growing closer together. If you hit a bump in the road, counseling would be a great resource in helping you continue to build a strong marriage. It’s not about pointing fingers or blaming one person or the other. It’s about working together to improve your relationship. Here’s some examples of a bump in the road that would benefit from marriage counseling…
- Transitions: There are all kinds of transitions throughout marriage, but a few are—the newlywed season, adding children to your family, the teenage years, and transitioning to becoming empty nesters and retirement. When we prepare for these transitions our marriages will stand under the weight of change.
- Expectations vs. Reality: You expected your spouse to do, say, act or just be one way and reality is a lot different. Learning how to navigate these pitfalls can make or break the intimacy in your marriage.
- Reoccurring Conflicts: These are issues that keep coming up with no resolution in sight. A third party can help you find ways to communicate more effectively and find a way to love and respect each other through your differences.
- Family of Origin Issues: In-law conflicts can become a big power struggle in marriage. Learning appropriate boundaries and clearly communicating loyalty and understanding isn’t easy to do when emotions run high. A counselor can help you walk through these difficult conversations.
I love what Romans 12:17-18 says…
Scripture:
If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Romans 12:17-18
Sometimes, doing everything possible to live in peace means to seek the help of an outside party to help us resolve our conflicts.
Question:
What are your thoughts? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you. And don’t miss the great resources in the notes below that will show you how to connect with premarital counseling tools and counselors.
A big thank you to counselors Dan Bates, Gil Stuart, and Dr. Kristen White for consulting with me on this series, along with His Heart Foundation for supporting this channel. If you want more in-depth mental health information for you and those you love check out mentalhealth.academy today.
Connect to a premarital counselor
Recommended Resources:
Don’t feel like you need to pick just one! Consult with a counselor to see your best fit.
Premarital Counseling Tools
The number one premarital assessment for 35 years. It’s best to go through this with a counselor or trained facilitator.
The world’s more practical marriage assessment. The website can connect you with a facilitator in your area.
A free online program designed by Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages
Books:
Hold Me Tight—Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
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