by Rosannie Murillo

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 11, 2008

Illness, infidelity, anger, communication problems, sex and anger can all contribute to feeling distress inside a marriage. This is where it is time to seek professional help if we really want our marriages to work. So we proceed to the next best thing, marriage counseling.

Some couples do not believe in marriage counseling, they believe they can work it out for themselves or plainly set on divorce other couples benefit greatly from it, mainly couples from different background, couples who married young, or simply couples who are open to any type of change or help to improve their marriage.

Now, there are different types of marriage counseling to choose from according to our beliefs and budget; traditional marriage counseling, online marriage counseling, family counseling, and for those who believe in the Christian faith, Christian marriage counseling. But how do we know which one is best for our marriage? And how do we choose our counselor?

Traditional marriage counseling is the oldest one that's been around and is one that is used to help couples understand their conflicts and give them the necessary weapons to improve their marriage. At first, coming into a session for the first time may not be easy; it may be a full blowout between you and yourspouse,or it can be downright awkward, either way, your therapist will help you through it no matter the circumstance.

Online counseling or "E-Therapy" is when a couple receives therapy sessions over the internet, whether they be through email, through messenger of live chats. This kind of counseling as received a skeptical reaction from the public stating that "it is not the same as receiving the traditional personal help from therapist where they can interpret any body language and expressions".

Other examples of counseling include family counseling and Christian counseling. Family counseling as the word says involves your family, mainly if there are any kids, and they could come in to your session or be treated individually. Christian counseling involves the Bible and advices couples to revolve their problems according to God's teachings. Currently my husband and I haven't had the need to go into therapy yet, but if we had to make a choice of counselors, I would say we would go with the traditional one, it would be our safest bet.

Going to counseling is no picnic money-wise, but there could be their exceptions based on income. "Family and marriage counseling sessions can vary widely, they may range from $75 to $200 per hour. But the average cost can range to $100 the hour." So if you decide to go to marriage counseling, make sure your therapist can see you surely often.

Basically, at one point or another some of us will have to go into a therapy session, but no matter which one you choose, make sure you try your best to get the most out of it to improve yourself, your marriage and each other.

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