Non-profit marriage counseling typically provides a lower-cost option for couples wanting to improve their relationships. Some organizations charge on a sliding fee scale based on the couple’s income. Non-profit marriage counseling services might be offered through community mental health organizations funded by grants or donations. In some areas, free marriage counseling might be available for low-income residents.
These non-profit marriage counseling services typically employ licensed social workers or therapists who lead group sessions or individual counseling sessions. Professionals typically prefer treating the couple as a unit, but generally work with a single spouse if the partner refuses to seek counseling. If problems in the marriage stem from domestic violence or substance abuse, the therapist might refer a spouse to other resources.
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Non-profit marriage counseling usually involves short-term therapy to help a couple acquire problem-solving techniques. The couple typically learns communication skills to enable discussion of issues in the relationship. A therapist might help the couple examine the root of conflict and serve as a mediator during therapy sessions. Anger management therapy might be necessary for couples with severe issues.
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Child rearing represents a common source of strife that might lead a couple to seek non-profit marriage counseling. Issues might arise over conflicts in parenting styles or discipline methods. Couples who become step-parents through blended families might seek counseling for problems specific to these situations.
Some non-profit marriage counseling might be available through churches or religious organizations. These are typically faith-based sessions that encourage prayer and spiritual growth to mend fractured relationships. Some churches offer couple retreats lasting a day or more to strengthen marriages. Depending on the program, retreats or counseling might be open to couples with no religious affiliation.
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Marriage counseling typically offers help for sexual problems, including sex addictions. The therapy generally includes an educational component about gender roles and differences between the sexes to dispel myths. A social worker might help the couple learn how to increase intimacy and bring romance into the relationship.
Financial disputes represent another area a non-profit marriage counseling center might treat. This therapy might teach a couple how to make financial decisions as a couple, even if one spouse usually handles financial matters. This counseling might help build trust that is lacking in the relationship.
Group therapy is a common form of non-profit marriage counseling that keeps costs low. Therapy sessions usually include group discussion led by a licensed professional. Role playing might be included in group therapy to help couples view issues from a spouse’s point of view.