Couples Therapy vs. Marriage Counseling: What’s the Difference?

Couples therapy and marriage counseling are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.

Couples therapy is a type of therapy that is focused on helping couples improve their relationship. Marriage counseling, on the other hand, is a type of therapy that is focused on helping married couples resolve conflicts and improve their communication. If you are considering seeking help for your relationship, it’s important to understand the difference between these two types of therapy.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between couples therapy and marriage counseling, and we will help you decide which type of therapy is right for you.

What is Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy, also known as couples counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples deal with issues in their relationship. It can help improve communication and resolve conflicts. Couples therapy is usually short-term, typically lasting around six to eight sessions.

What is Marriage Counseling?

Marriage counseling is a type of therapy that helps married couples work through issues in their relationship. It can help to improve communication, resolve marital conflicts, and strengthen the bond between partners. Marriage counseling typically lasts for around 12 sessions, though it may vary depending on the couple’s needs.

How Do These Methods Compare? 

Couples therapy and marriage counseling are two different methods for addressing relationship issues. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two.

• Couples therapy focuses on the relationship as a whole, while marriage counseling typically targets specific problems.

In couples therapy, the therapist will work with both partners to help them understand how their relationship works and identify any issues that may be causing problems. The goal is to help the couple resolve these issues together.

Marriage counseling, on the other hand, typically focuses on addressing specific problems that are causing tension in the marriage. For example, a couple might go to counseling if they are struggling with communication issues, financial problems, or infidelity. The therapist will work with the couple to help them find a solution to the problem.

• Couples therapy is typically a longer-term treatment, while marriage counseling is often shorter-term.

In couples therapy, the goal is to help the couple resolve their issues and improve their relationship. This can take time – sometimes several months or even years.

Marriage counseling, on the other hand, is typically a shorter-term treatment. The therapist will work with the couple to help them resolve a specific problem, and then they will move on.

• Couples therapy tends to be more expensive than marriage counseling.

The cost of couples therapy can vary depending on the therapist and the location. However, it is generally more expensive than marriage counseling.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers couples therapy at an affordable rate, Ellen Savage LCPC is the ideal place. Our rates are very reasonable, and we have a lot of experience working with couples.

• Couples therapy is typically done in person, while marriage counseling can be done online or over the phone.

Couples therapy must be done in person, as it involves working with both partners face-to-face. Marriage counseling, on the other hand, can be done online or over the phone. This is a good option for couples who live far apart or who are unable to attend therapy sessions in person.

• Couples therapy is more research-based, while marriage counseling is more based on clinical experience.

Couples therapy is based on research that has been conducted on relationships and how they work. This means that the therapist will have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t in terms of helping couples resolve their issues.

Marriage counseling is more based on clinical experience. This means that the therapist will have a lot of experience working with couples and will be able to provide practical advice for resolving problems.

When to Use Each Method of Counseling?

So, when is it appropriate to use couples therapy vs. marriage counseling? There are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Couples therapy is designed for couples who are already in a relationship. Marriage counseling, on the other hand, is for couples who are considering getting married or are already married.

If you’re dealing with issues in your current relationship, couples therapy may be the right choice for you. If you’re having problems before or after getting married, marriage counseling may be a better option.

• Couples therapy typically focuses on the present, while marriage counseling may also consider the couple’s history.

Couples therapy often looks at how the current issues are impacting the relationship and what can be done to resolve them. Marriage counseling may also take a look at how past experiences have contributed to the current problems.

If you’re looking for help dealing with current issues in your relationship, couples therapy is the better option. If you want to explore how past experiences have been impacting your relationship, marriage counseling may be a better choice.

• Couples therapy is typically shorter-term than marriage counseling.

Couples therapy generally lasts around six to eight sessions, while marriage counseling can last for months or even years.

If you’re looking for short-term help resolving current issues in your relationship, couples therapy is the better choice. If you want or need longer-term help exploring past and current issues in your relationship, marriage counseling may be a better choice.

We at Ellen Savage LCPC cover both short-term and long-term counseling. With years of experience in both couples therapy and marriage counseling, we can help the couple explore the current issues and past experiences. Our approach is tailored to each individual couple, so we can help couples resolve the issues in a way that works best for them.

• Couples therapy is often less expensive than marriage counseling.

The cost of couples therapy varies depending on the therapist, but it’s typically less expensive than marriage counseling.

If you’re looking for affordable help resolving current issues in your relationship, couples therapy is the better choice. If money is no object and you want or need long-term help exploring past and current issues in your relationship, marriage counseling may be a better choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide whether couples therapy or marriage counseling is right for you is to talk to a therapist. They can help you figure out which method of counseling would be most beneficial for you and your relationship.

However, when considering marriage counseling, it is important to work with a therapist who understands your specific needs. Ellen Savage LCPC is a great therapy platform that specializes in couples therapy and marriage counseling.

Their therapists have over 15 years of experience helping couples resolve their issues and improve their relationships. You can learn more about Ellen Savage LCPC by visiting their website.