Having trouble navigating life with your partner?
Marriage is not always smooth-sailing. There are bound to be challenges and difficulties in any relationship.
Marriage counselling can help to guide couples through their problems – from understanding the root cause of their difficulties to taking steps to work things out. Ultimately, it enables couples to function more effectively as a team.
Seeking marriage counselling does not mean that your marriage has failed. Instead, it can be an opportunity for you to improve your relationship.
How Marriage Counselling Can Help
It is a common misconception that couples only need marriage counselling when they are facing serious problems. This is untrue – couples can benefit from counselling if they are experiencing issues, small or big, that they struggle to resolve on their own.
Here are some ways in which marriage counselling can help:
- Help couples see things from each other’s perspective
- Learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses
- Improve communication skills
- Negotiate responsibilities
- Iron out disagreements that can arise from financial, parenting, lifestyle choices and more
- Restore emotional and physical intimacy
- Restore trust and commitment
- Help couples see things from each other’s perspective
- Learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses
- Improve communication skills
- Negotiate responsibilities
- Iron out disagreements that can arise from financial, parenting, lifestyle choices and more
- Restore emotional and physical intimacy
- Restore trust and commitment
When Might a Couple Seek Marriage Counselling?
There are various reasons why couples seek counselling before and after getting married. This includes but is not limited to the following:
Before Getting Married
To manage differences in:
- Expectations of marriage
- Communication style
- Boundary-setting
- Attachment and love languages
- Conflict resolution
After Getting Married
To tackle issues such as:
- Frequent arguments and conflict
- Problems arising from a big life transition
- Lack of physical and emotional intimacy
- Differences in lifestyle choices
Before Getting Married
To manage differences in:
- Expectations of marriage
- Communication style
- Boundary-setting
- Attachment and love languages
- Conflict resolution
After Getting Married
To tackle issues such as:
- Frequent arguments and conflict
- Problems arising from a big life transition
- Lack of physical and emotional intimacy
- Differences in lifestyle choices
Our Marriage Counsellors
Sophia Goh
M.A. in Counselling and Guidance, Singapore
With couples as one of her main areas of focus, Sophia strives to seek out solutions to help clients resolve their issues. She also believes in using evidence-based approaches to help them lead fulfilling lives.
Credentials
- Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Approaches Used During Marriage Counselling at Sofia Wellness Clinic
At Sofia Wellness Clinic, we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to counselling. Thus, our treatment plans are personalised to meet the needs of each couple and different approaches are used to help tackle their problems.
Here are some of the approaches used:
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a highly-effective research-based therapy that leaves couples with actionable steps they can take to improve their relationship. The key objectives are to:
- Disarm conflicting verbal communication
- Increase intimacy, respect and affection
- Remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy
- Create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding
In addition to helping couples understand their existing issues, it equips them with skills and techniques that they can fall back on to prevent future disagreements.
How it works:
Couples will undergo an assessment with a counsellor in the first session. The assessment will include a joint session, an individual session and a questionnaire. This will help the counsellor understand the foundation of the couple’s relationship.
From there, the counsellor will map out an intervention plan and help couples understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Prepare/Enrich
Prepare/Enrich is an evidence-based, customised assessment curated for couples. The key objectives are to:
- Foster healthy relationships
- Identify the strengths and areas for improvement in a relationship
- Develop confidence
- Impart skills to help improve relationships
How it works:
Couples are required to complete an assessment before the first session. Based on the assessment, a report will be generated.
In the first session, couples will set achievable goals and expectations while picking up communication skills. These skills are to be actively practised during and outside of the sessions.
Thereafter, activity books will be provided for couples to complete together. These books will help to build the skills required to maintain a strong relationship such as conflict resolution and communication.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a structured approach that is formulated to help couples manage conflicts. The key objectives are to:
- Help couples restructure their emotional response
- Unlearn habits that are detrimental to the relationship
- Identify negative patterns between couples
- Replace blame with empathy and compassion
- Improve interpersonal understanding
How it works:
In the first session, couples will sit down with the counsellor together and individually. This enables the counsellor to understand the dynamics of their relationship.
Subsequently, couples will be guided through various conversations. Unlike other approaches, the counsellor will take on a more active role, allowing for a better understanding of the underlying problem and feelings couples have for each other.
Based on these conversations and interactions, the reason behind certain behaviours will be uncovered. This allows couples to empathise with each other.
Our Marriage Counselling Fees
At Sofia Wellness Clinic, couples can opt to speak to a counsellor in person or online. The fees for online counselling are the same as in-person sessions.
| Consultation | Duration | Senior Counsellor | Counsellor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial session | 75min | $300 | $280 |
| Subsequent sessions | 75min | $300 | $280 |
| Out-of-session phone call or email | Per 10min blocks | $35 | $35 |
Why Choose Sofia Wellness Clinic for Marriage Counselling?
Experienced Counsellors
Our counsellors are professionally trained and have years of experience in the industry. They can help you navigate through your problems and cultivate positive habits in your life.
Safe Space for Sharing
We believe in providing a safe space where you can freely share your thoughts without judgement. Thus, you can rest assured that your sharing is kept confidential.
FAQs About Marriage Counselling
What is the difference between couples and marriage counselling?
Couples counselling is primarily for those who are in a relationship, married or otherwise. On the other hand, marriage counselling is specifically for married couples.
Despite this distinction between the two, the approaches used in both types of counselling are the same (e.g. Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Prepare/Enrich).
What are some common concerns addressed during marriage counselling?
During marriage counselling, couples frequently address a variety of concerns, including:
- Communication difficulties and breakdowns in understanding
- Difficulties with anger management and conflict resolution
- Coping with parenting challenges and navigating family dynamics
- Overcoming financial challenges and establishing financial harmony
- Dealing with addiction or substance abuse issues
- Struggles related to gambling and its impact on the relationship
- Loss of emotional intimacy or difficulties with physical intimacy
- Physical or mental health issues, including psychological disorders
It is important to remember that these points are not exhaustive, and the specific concerns addressed will vary based on the needs and circumstances of each couple.
What are some signs that my spouse and I should go for marriage counselling?
Here are several signs that indicate it may be beneficial for you and your spouse to seek marriage counselling:
- Repeated arguments revolving around the same issues
- Indifference towards addressing issues in the relationship
- Feeling lonely even when in the presence of each other
- Decreased enjoyment of quality time together
- Exhibiting a consistently negative attitude toward one’s partner
- Discomfort in discussing relationship problems with each other
- Keeping secrets from one another or a lack of openness
How can I suggest the topic of marriage counselling to my spouse?
Marriage counselling is a tricky topic to bring up. Here are some tips on how you can gently broach the topic to your spouse:
- Explain your motive for suggesting marriage counselling and how it can help to improve your relationship.
- Be honest and do not get defensive.
- Avoid blaming your spouse.
- Emphasise that you are doing it because you love them.
Be careful not to trick your spouse into going for a marriage counselling session – it will only deepen their mistrust of you.
What can I expect during a marriage counselling session?
Your marriage counsellor usually begins the first session by getting to know more about you and your spouse – from your relationship dynamics to family backgrounds. Prior to the first session, some couples may also be required to complete a questionnaire.
Throughout your counselling journey, you may be asked to share about more intimate topics. It is normal to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable during these sessions. However, being open with your feelings can help your counsellor determine the problem and collectively find a solution.
How much does marriage counselling cost in Singapore?
In Singapore, the cost of marriage counselling ranges from $160 to $300 per hour. It depends on how experienced the counsellor or psychotherapist is and the availability of packages.
At Sofia Wellness Clinic, the cost of a marriage counselling session (75 minutes) ranges from $250 to $300.
Does marriage counselling really work?
Research by The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists showed that over ¾ of couples who underwent marriage counselling saw a marked improvement in their relationship. In addition, they reported improvements in their physical and emotional well-being and ability to focus at work.
Despite these findings, it is imperative to note that the success of marriage counselling is highly dependent on how committed and willing couples are in wanting to work on their relationship.
Are there situations where marriage counselling might not work?
Marriage counselling is not recommended in instances where there is an ongoing affair or when there is the presence of domestic violence. In such cases, individual counselling may be more effective.
If you are unsure if marriage counselling or individual counselling is more suited for your situation, you can choose to come in for an initial assessment. Thereafter, our counsellors will make a recommendation.
