About Christian Marriage Counseling

If you are planning a wedding or contemplating difference, consider Christian marriage counseling as a way to overcome difficulties, find meaning in life and grow intellectually and emotionally.

In many ways, Christian marriage counseling is similar to secular counseling, with an emphasis on resolving conflicts between people, offering advice and helping couples establish shared goals. Christian counselors frequently possess graduate degrees and have invested considerable time and energy developing their skills and gaining experience.

The foundation that supports Christian marriage counseling, however, is fundamentally different. Counselors are motivated by the teachings of The Bible rather than psychological theories. They may incorporate psychology into their work but view the scripture as the final authority.

According to the International Association of Biblical Counselors, “biblical counseling seeks to carefully discover those areas in which a Christian may be disobedient to the principles and commands of Scripture and to help him learn how to lovingly submit to God's will”.

No relationship is perfect yet Christians often fail to seek the guidance and support they need. They may be embarrassed to share their problems with someone else or believe that they can solve the problem on their own. Yet all marriages can benefit from an impartial and objective listener, someone who can offer support and help them see alternatives to the situation they find themselves in.

Christian marriage counseling falls into four main categories:

• Christian premarital counseling prepares two people to join their lives together. Studies have found that couples who participate in premarital counseling are less likely to seek divorce. Unlike secular programs that focus primarily on pragmatic issues like financial management and communication skills, Christ-centered programs offer couples a spiritual home and calls on them to accept Jesus as a third partner in their marriage.
• Like secular counselors, Christian marriage counselors help couples develop better communication skills and learn new strategies for facing difficulties.
• Christian marriage counseling also helps couples address specific problems that arise in the relationship. Common complaints include nagging, resentment or a lack of intimacy. More serious issues like adultery, alcoholism and abuse also need to be addressed within counseling. Don’t assume you can solve such issues on your own. A Christian marriage counselor can work with you to find a Godly solution. The process may involve setting your pride aside and seeking guidance.
• Finally, Christian counselors can help you find your way if you lose your sense of God’s principles for marriage.

What are God’s principles for marriage? Christian counselors believe that God has laid out guidelines for loving, sacrificial marriages in the scriptures. Counselors help couples live according to the precepts in The Bible.

What can you expect from Christian marriage counseling? Not all counselors will proceed in the same manner. In general, however, you can anticipate the following:

• The counselor will assess the current health of your relationship as well as your willingness to change.
• He or she may point out some detrimental communication habits and help you develop more respectful ways of communicating, including healthy ways to express disagreement.
• You may be asked to give and receive forgiveness, critical skills for a couple forging a life together.
• Your counselor will help you establish goals to work towards then monitor your progress.
• Finally, a Christian marriage counselor will incorporate prayer into the therapy and may ask you to reflect on particular Bible passages.

Please visit my website www.maryshawe.com to browse the resources I have gathered here for you and learn how they hold the secrets to turn your life around.If you're particularly interested in marriage counseling, then please click here to read more about "Secrets of Successful Marriage

I also recommend Save your Christian Marriage by Rev. Lee H. Baucom, M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D for additional help and guidance.