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Couples Counseling
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Research Reveals the Key to Marriage Longevity
For many years, it was assumed that the happiest couples were those who could somehow resolve most of their marital conflicts with ease. Today we know this isn’t true. Extensive research conducted by specialists at the University of Washington found that in happy marriages, just under 70% of disagreements never get resolved.
These couples might fight just as much as those with unhappy marriages, but the way they fight is very different. Healthy couples build their relationships (and arguments) on a foundation of mutual respect and friendship. They agree to disagree; accepting and enjoying each others company in spite of even major differences.
UW specialists noted that there are basically three types of marriages: Va
lidating, Volatile, and Avoidant. In the past it was assumed that the only healthy relationships were of the Validating type.
As it turns out, any of these types of relationships can be healthy and happy if they include an important feature. Every negative interaction a couple experiences must be offset with at least five positive interactions.
If each partner is able to recognize when the other is making an attempt to connect emotionally, and responds with love and respect most of the time (at least a 5 to 1 ratio), the marriage has a greater chance of success. The environment that is created by this simple formula seems to be conducive to a state of health in marriages.
If couples find themselves feeling stuck in negative communication patterns, there is hope. Counsel
ing can offer a safe place to sort out what may seem like impossible relationship issues.
Everything from addictions, infidelity or mutual disrespect can be resolved and healed in a therapeutic setting. The key to a good marriage will always be mutual love and respect, in a myriad of forms.
Healthy couples may have different styles of communication, but these essential elements will always be present.
Abuse
Anger Management
Anxiety & Stress Management
Depression
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Boredom
Intimacy Issues
Parenting Stress
Relationship Stress
Love Languages
Communication Styles
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Systems Therapy
Jungian Psychotherapy
Mindfulness Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Relationship Development Dynamics
If you are engaged or even thinking about it, Susan Mitchell offers an excellent, private pre-marriage course designed to help you create a truly successful marriage in three focused sessions.
Pre-marriage counseling will ensure that you start out your marriage in the best possible way.
Call now for details!