Marriage and family counseling
Finding solutions together
Marriage and family counseling offers a safe space in which all parties involved are heard and supported in finding solutions - together as a couple, family or parent. Not every disagreement needs counseling. However, if conflicts occur repeatedly or the relationship is permanently strained, family counseling can provide clarity.
Signs that counseling can help
- Constant conflicts in the partnership: If conversations repeatedly end in arguments or important topics are deliberately avoided, counseling can help to improve communication.
- Parenting issues that cause stress: If parents disagree on parenting issues or children suffer greatly from conflicts in the family, a neutral perspective is often needed.
- Life changes that upset family life: Separations, relocations, job losses or the death of a family member can disrupt the balance of the family.
- Feeling overwhelmed: When everyday life becomes increasingly difficult and the feeling arises that you can no longer meet the demands as a parent, partner or family member.
- Emotional distance in the partnership: When closeness and intimacy in the relationship are lost, counseling can open the way back to connection.
What you can do now
1. talk about your own needs
- Reflect on your situation: Which conflicts are particularly stressful for you? Write down for yourself which topics you would like to address in counseling.
- Talk to your partner: If you would like to attend counseling as a couple, talk openly about why you would like support. Even if it is difficult, honest communication can ease initial tensions.
- Involve children: If the counseling concerns the whole family, discuss the step with the children. Transparent communication creates trust.
2. Check counseling options
- Find out about counseling services: There are many services available - from marriage counseling to family counseling centers to parenting counseling.
- On-site or online counseling: You can get help in person or use online counseling, which is flexible and anonymous.
- Use trial appointments: Some counseling centers offer trial appointments. This allows you to check whether you have a good chemistry with the counselor.
Finding support: What help is available?
There are many places to go for help with family or partnership conflicts. Counselling can be obtained on site, by telephone or online.
Counselling services for couples and families
- Marriage counselling centres: These centres specialize in supporting couples. Here, couples can talk about their relationship, solve communication problems and find more closeness with each other again.
- Family counseling centers: These contact points offer advice for the whole family - whether for parenting issues, separation or coping with crises.
- Educational counseling centers: If the conflicts are mainly to do with the children, educational counseling centers offer targeted support and help parents to find new ways.
How to find a suitable counseling center
- Public counseling centers: These are often run by the city or municipality and offer free support.
- Church counseling centers: Churches also offer marriage, family and life counseling - regardless of denomination.
- Online counseling: Many counseling centers now also offer anonymous online counseling, which can take place via chat or video call.
Frequently asked questions about marriage and family counseling
Counseling can help if conflicts in the relationship or family occur repeatedly, communication no longer works or separation is being considered. Counseling is also useful for parenting issues or stress caused by external factors.
In an initial meeting, the situation is discussed and it is clarified together what support could be helpful. Depending on requirements, there are individual, couple or family discussions in which solutions are worked out and new communication strategies are developed.
Yes, all conversations are confidential. Many counseling centers offer counseling free of charge or for a small fee. Some organizations offer counselling on a donation basis.
You can also take advantage of counseling on your own. It often helps to reflect on your own behavior and perspectives in order to initiate positive changes. Some advice centers also offer mediation sessions to make it easier for everyone involved to get started.
Let us advise you now!
You don't have to resolve conflicts in your family or partnership alone. Counseling centers, marriage counseling and family counseling offer a safe space to address difficult issues and develop solutions together. Make an appointment now - it's worth it.