What Is The Difference Between Couples Counselling and Family Counselling?
Family counselling and couples counselling in Calgary are two very different types of counselling that help people deal with a variety of situations. Is it possible to address topics that affect more than just an individual in the family or just the couple? Can family counselling be used to start working on a marriage, or a friendship? Are these two forms of counselling the same? This article will look at the differences between couples and family counselling.
Couples counselling and family counselling are both forms of psychotherapy which is used for dealing with a variety of things that people face in their life and relationships. The main difference between the two is not only in the type of issues that they help you deal with, but also in how they are done and the outcome of each. Below you will find a more in-depth look of each counselling method:
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling in Calgary (also known as marriage counselling or Marital Therapy) is a form of psychotherapy that works with couples to help repair and strengthen relationships. In treating couples, the therapist focuses on promoting healing and growth in the relationship, instead of pain and blame. This helps each person become more independent while in the relationship and more able to grow while they are apart. The therapist often promotes joint decision-making and problem-solving, then trains each partner in more effective communication skills.
Family Counselling
Family counselling is a type of psychotherapy that helps build healthier, more effective relationships within the family unit. It can be useful for couples who are having trouble communicating effectively or parents who are involved in frequently intense and unproductive discussions with one another, which can lead to either resentment or loss of trust. Family counsellors offer education and practical advice on an individual or family’s situation. Through open communication, each party will gain a greater understanding of their differences and commonalities while coming to better care for one another.
There are plenty of similarities between these two counselling types, but it’s also important to note that there are also some very distinct differences between the two. These are two full-time counselling specialties, so not every counsellor is going to be able to help you with both issues.
Does Couples Counselling and Family Counselling Differ From Individual Counselling?
In individual counselling, the individual is engaged in a self-reflective process on their emotions and behaviours. Since each person has learned new ways of interacting with their unique behavioural patterns, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, the therapist assists the client to decipher their own emotions, thoughts and physical sensations.
Couples therapy is a collaborative approach towards resolving issues between a couple. The therapist guides the discussion of partners towards resolving issues such as sexual intimacy, communication, power-control in the relationship, infidelity, etc. Issues sometimes arise when one partner in the couple does not feel loved and respected by their partner. A well trained marriage counsellor is bound to tackle each person individually first, and then work on enhancing the emotional bond between partners.
Couples Counselling Vs. Family Counselling: The Takeaway
Hopefully this article has helped you understand the key differences between family counselling and couples counselling in Calgary. If you or someone that you know is going through a difficult time in a relationship, then perhaps it’s worth considering an appointment with a therapist.
