Frequently Asked Questions
Do you think all marriages/relationships can be saved?
No. However it is often possible to solve difficult and long-standing problems even if the couple seems incompatible.
Must both partners attend?
No. While working together as a couple is generally the preferred approach and achieves the quickest results, even if your partner is uncomfortable with counselling and is reluctant to attend, you can still benefit by working with a therapist alone. Often, when one partner changes, the whole dynamic of the relationship changes too.
How long does it take when there is a serious problem like infidelity?
It is difficult for a therapist to estimate how long it will take. Most, if not all, couple’s are able to achieve their goals in less than 20 sessions; however, others require a number of individual sessions as part of the process therefore requiring more sessions. Long-standing problems usually take longer than problems that have arisen later in the relationship.
Is your pre-marital counselling (marriage preparation) secular or religious?
The counselling approach is non-religious although we usually discuss values and the couple’s religious beliefs especially if there are significant differences.
Do we have to make a weekly commitment?
For most couples, weekly is best but for others alternate weeks works fine. What is most important is a regular schedule until most of the work has been done.