One of the most difficult aspects of marriage is remaining happy and stable over the years. It seems like anything can throw a healthy relationship into disarray these days, from a suddenly lost job to unexpected infidelity. Counseling for parents is a must for couples who have children and don’t want to lose their family dynamic during the most crucial years of their life. This can include marriage advice, couples counseling topics and even ongoing exercises to restore what was lost and encourage a healthy family unit once more.
Marriage
Counseling for parents has only become more and more relevant as marriage rates have declined. Research has estimated anywhere from 40% to 50% of all first marriages ending in divorce, with another 60% of second marriages ending. A happy marriage is considered one of the most important life objectives for nearly 93% of Americans according to a recent survey, with more and more people seeking out the benefits of counseling for parents to preserve their union.
Divorce
While marriage has been on the decline, divorce rates have been on the rise. It’s estimated there is one divorce approximately every 36 seconds in the United States — that amounts to nearly 2,400 divorces per day, 16,000 per week and a whopping 875,000 per year. Fluctuating social norms and economic expectations are just a few of the reasons that have been attributed to this growing trend and the figures aren’t expected to dip anytime soon. The average woman takes three years to remarry after a divorce, while men generally take more time to move on at three and a half years.
Mental Health
Mental wellness is a necessity to maintain a happy and satisfied family unit. Statistics reported back in 2014 showed one in six parents experiencing some form of mental health concern over the year, with single parents being twice as likely to have a mental health issue compared to their married counterparts. This is due to a variety of different factors, ranging from poverty to increased stress to genetic inheritance. Common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety and panic disorder, all of which can be debilitating if not properly addressed and treated by professional therapists.
Child Custody
One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is the issue of child custody. As such, counseling for parents often focuses on the subject of maintaining a union to encourage the emotional and mental wellness of children. More than one million children are involved in divorce proceedings on a yearly basis — studies have shown children of divorced parents are more likely to have trouble in school in the future than those with married parents. Family counseling techniques have been proven to assist in salvaging marriages and, in turn, helping the children involved lead a more stable lifestyle.
When To See A Couples Counselor
If you’re not sure if you need to seek out counseling for parents, it’s highly recommended if you notice a few warning signs in your relationship. This can include, but is not limited to, infidelity, constant irritability, a lack of communication and emotional distancing. Turning to a licensed marriage and family therapist will have you spending 20% to 40% less than you would had you turned to a psychiatrist. Studies have shown 75% of couples who received therapy having done far better in their relationship than couples who had not attended sessions. A seasoned professional will assist you with the ins and outs of maintaining a happy relationship, offering you support and a more objective eye than you would receive on your own.