There’s one overwhelming misconception about marriage counseling, and if you buy into this myth, it could cost you your relationship. It’s this: if you’re seeking marriage counseling, then your marriage has failed. But the truth is, marriage counseling is a sign of your commitment to your spouse, and seeing a marriage counselor can help you grow closer together than ever before.

Today, more and more couples are debunking the myths of marriage counseling and realizing that attending regular sessions together isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength in their relationship.

Regular sessions with a marriage counselor can help couples check-in with one another instead of using therapy as a last resort. In turn, spouses are reporting happier marriages. Going to marriage counseling becomes a time of laughter, open communication, and exchanges of appreciation rather than resentment and hurt feelings. 

Is marriage counseling only for failed married couples?

There is a widely believed myth that couples with failed marriages are the only ones who can benefit from marriage counseling in Boynton Beach. This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, it is often the strongest couples who seek improvement. Every relationship has its challenges. Gateway Counseling can help you and your spouse deal with the inevitable difficulties.

Marriage counseling in Boynton Beach can help you before there is a problem. Gateway does not only address current issues; we also give you the tools to avoid future relationship conflicts. You and your spouse will learn how to communicate properly and resolve conflicts. Marriage counseling can make your healthy relationship even better.

BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE COUNSELING

Our experienced therapists help couples improve their relationships. Here are some of the benefits of marriage counseling in Boynton Beach:

• Promote a Loving Relationship
• Learn Listening Skills
• Be Heard
• Relieve Tension
• Learn to Cope
• Improve Physical Intimacy
• Learn to Deal with Financial Constraints
• Increase Happiness
• Learn to Better Communicate
• Learn to Forgive & Heal

You can be at peace with your partner and maintain a lifelong deep love.

At Gateway Counseling Center, our marriage counselors are fully committed to debunking the myths of marriage therapy as well as other myths about marriage and the intimacy of a relationship. In fact, we’ve even dedicated an entire series to debunking the myths of marriage counseling! 

Gateway Counseling Center — Debunking Marriage Myths Series:

• Marriage Myth #1: Forever is a Long Time
• Marriage Myth #2: Marriage is About Compromise
• Marriage Myth #3: Happy Couples Do Everything Together

Marriage Counseling Boynton Beach

At Gateway Counseling Center, your marriage counselor will be completely dedicated to helping you and your spouse avoid reaching trouble spots in your marriage, but it’s also important to note that arguments are natural and are bound to occur. Our goal is to open your pathways of communication between one another so both partners are heard, feel acknowledged, understood, and the underlying reasons for the conflict are identified. We help couples create physical, emotional, and financial stability within their relationships to benefit them both now and in the future.

We believe that when you and your spouse commit to marriage counseling and the process of therapy, great things are bound to happen. Your relationship serves as a fundamental foundation in your own personal happiness and well-being. Maintaining a strong relationship with your spouse not only benefits your marriage but you both individually as well. Therefore, we use a series of strategies throughout marriage counseling to foster a loving relationship.

Through Marriage Counseling you can:

• Discover what drives your arguments and put a stop to it
• Learn to listen to one another and be heard
• Rekindle the love lost in building conflict
• Replace tension with peace
• Cross the distant divide to be close once again
• Learn to handle time apart with ease, love and trust
• Forgive and heal from past hurts – including from affairs
• Renew trust and commitment
• Be deeper in love
• Achieve amazing physical intimacy
• Be happily married once again

Let a Marriage Counseling therapist at Gateway Counseling Center help you define and share your love story. Call 561-468-6464 to schedule an appointment.

OUR THERAPISTS

Dr. John Hawkins SR, D.D., M.S., LM.H.C. has been helping couples for over 35 years. He concentrates his practice on marriage and family concerns. Since many of our clients have strong spiritual beliefs, Christian principles can be incorporated into your treatment plan. John guides his clients mentally and spiritually.

John D. Hawkins JR, M.S., LM.H.C. C.A.P. also provides marriage counseling in Boynton Beach. He stays abreast on all the latest research and techniques, ensuring clients receive the best treatment possible. He has even helped those with traumatic pasts heal and grow happy, meaningful relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Counseling

At Gateway Counseling Center, our marriage counselors understand that you or your spouse may be hesitant to dive into therapy. You may have questions about what marriage counseling involves and how it can benefit your relationship. Be sure to reach out to our office to speak with a therapist about any concerns you have about the possibility of marriage counseling. In the meantime, here are some frequently asked questions and answers that can help you decide if you and your spouse are ready to speak with a marriage counselor. 

What can you expect during a marriage counseling session?

Everyone seeks out marriage counseling for different reasons, but there are a few things most couples can expect when meeting with a couples therapist. First, your marriage counselor will create an open and safe space for you and your spouse to share the reasons why you decided to seek out therapy. Your counselor will invite both you and your partner to speak, express your individual point of view, and share your personal thoughts and emotions about your relationship. It’s important for both spouses to feel heard and acknowledged in their therapy sessions, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared and willing to participate. 

Throughout the marriage counseling process, your therapist might develop a specific healing plan, provide communication techniques for you both to practice, or ask you to discuss your relationship history to help identify the root of the conflict. Couples are always welcome to share their own expectations of marriage counseling in their initial session so everyone can work together and any misconceptions about marriage counseling can be addressed. To learn more about what to expect during a marriage counseling session, contact us today to speak with a therapist. 

When should you seek marriage counseling?

Every couple has a different threshold for when they feel they’re ready to begin marriage counseling. However, there are red flags that spouses should be aware of that can signal a time for help. Here are a few signs that you and your spouse might be ready for marriage counseling: 

• You’re not communicating. 
• Most of your communication is negative.
• You’re avoiding emotional intimacy. 
• You’re avoiding physical intimacy. 
• You’re experiencing a major life change, such as a death in the family, a new job, or a new financial hardship, and adjusting to the change has created tension and conflict. 
• There’s a lack of trust. 

Again, every couple is different, but these are just a few signs that it’s time to work on the health of your relationship. If you’re still unsure if you and your spouse are ready for marriage counseling, we advise scheduling your first free appointment at Gateway Counseling Center. Your first session can be a great time to discuss your expectations of marriage counseling and decide if the time is right for you both to speak with a therapist. Give us a call to learn more about an initial free session. 

How can marriage counseling help couples?

Marriage counseling can help couples work on their relationship in a wide variety of ways. Every couple comes to marriage counseling with different objectives, so the benefits will differ for each couple. Overall, seeing a marriage counselor can help you and your spouse build a strong foundation for your relationship in the following ways: 

• You learn to use more positive communication.
• You both feel closer and share more intimacy.
• You’ll realize the strength and power of your relationship. 
• You live in a more peaceful household. 
• You work together to problem-solve.
• You learn to trust one another. 
• You seek out more quality time with one another. 
• You’re comfortable and confident spending time apart.

To learn more about the many benefits of marriage counseling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach to speak with a therapist. 

How effective is marriage or couples therapy?

When you work with the right marriage counselor and both you and your spouse are committed to the treatment, marriage counseling can be incredibly effective. It’s important to remember that marriage counseling may not be effective:

• If one or both spouses aren’t open to therapy. 
• They’re not committed to the counseling or treatment methods. 
• They’re not willing to share or participate in therapy sessions. 
• When the therapist and the couple don’t make a good fit. 

Overall, marriage therapy has proven to not only be effective in resolving conflicts, but it’s also a great way to grow closer together. 

How long should a couple remain in marriage counseling? 

The timeframe of marriage counseling will be different for every couple. As human beings, we all yearn for similar things in a healthy relationship, but every marriage is unique. Some couples may not seek marriage counseling to work on anything specific. Instead, they utilize regular therapy sessions as a way to check in with one another and grow closer. Others may use marriage therapy as a way to heal from something, solve a particular problem, or work toward a specific goal. This means that there’s no right or wrong length of time when it comes to marriage counseling. 

How much does marriage counseling cost? 

The cost of marriage counseling will vary depending on a few different factors, such as the frequency of the sessions and how long therapy will last. If you’re interested in marriage counseling but you’re concerned about the cost, contact Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach today to learn more. 

What should I look for when choosing a marriage counselor?

When searching for a marriage counselor near me, remember that you want to have a marriage counselor that’s conveniently located. That helps couples stay committed to the process. Remember that if you can’t find a marriage counselor nearby, Gateway Counseling Center in Boynton Beach also has online marriage counseling sessions available. In addition, you want to work with a marriage counselor that you trust, that creates a safe space for you to share thoughts and emotions, and who has the experience to help you solve any marital issue. Our marriage counselors are committed to helping couples realize the possibilities in their relationship and bring them closer than they’ve ever been before. If you’re ready to schedule your first free appointment with a marriage therapist, contact Gateway Counseling Center today.