You and your partner are considering marriage counseling, but you can’t help but wonder why couples go to counseling in the first place. Is it only when they are on the brink of divorce? Maybe it is a last resort? To be truthful, this is often what couples do but that doesn’t mean marriage counseling is only for troubled relationships. In fact, couples go to counseling for a variety of reasons and at different stages in their relationship.
Couples may seek counseling to improve communication, strengthen their relationship, or resolve ongoing conflicts. Sometimes, even the happiest of couples can benefit from counseling. It provides a safe space to discuss any issues that may arise in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. This may be surprising, but many couples attend counseling not because they are unhappy, but because they want to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship. But let’s talk about what brings most couples to therapy.
There’s an Ultimatum 
As a marriage counselor in Atlanta and across Georgia, I often see couples where one partner has issued an ultimatum. Maybe that’s where you are right now—considering counseling because you or your spouse has said, “It’s time to fix this, or it’s over.” It’s a tough place to be, but it’s also an opportunity. Ultimatums, though they may feel harsh, can be a wake-up call for both of you to finally confront the issues that have been building. If you’re ready to take that step, marriage counseling can help you work through it together.
On the other hand, you might be ready to move forward. Maybe you’ve been thinking about divorce for a while and see this as the last chance to save your marriage. You’re willing to try counseling, but deep down, you’re unsure if it will work. Meanwhile, your partner might see counseling as a last-ditch effort to convince you to stay. This could be a wake-up call for both of you, but if one or both of you aren’t ready to put in the work, counseling might not be effective. However, if you’re both willing to commit, it could spark positive change and bring a renewed sense of commitment to your relationship.
One Partner is More Invested than the Other
You might find yourself in a situation where you’re the one putting in the effort, trying to improve the relationship the moment you notice something’s off. What happens? You take action, wanting to fix things before they get worse. But your partner? Maybe they’re not on the same page. They might be less invested, in denial, or just not seeing how their actions are impacting you. Maybe they’ve gotten too comfortable, or they truly don’t realize there’s a problem at all.
In this case, counseling can be a safe and neutral space for both of you to express your concerns and feelings. It can also help the less invested partner understand the impact of their actions on the relationship and motivate them to actively work towards repairing it. Ultimately, therapy can help bridge the gap between you both and create a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. Or, it can help you understand that the relationship isn’t salvageable and guide you towards an amicable separation. Regardless of the outcome, counseling can provide a sense of closure and understanding for both partners.
Some Call Looking for Discernment Counseling
Before considering marriage counseling, couples will call a marriage counselor asking for discernment counseling. This is a type of counseling that helps couples decide whether they want to stay in a relationship or not. It’s often used when you or your partner is unsure about the future of the relationship and needs help making a decision. Discernment counseling can be helpful in these situations, as it allows both of you to openly discuss their feelings and concerns without feeling pressured to make a decision right away. However, you might have asked for this right away rather than trying marriage counseling. In my experience as a marriage counselor, I ask couples like this if they have considered marriage counseling before going straight to discernment counseling.
Many times, they have not even thought about it as an option. This can be due to misconceptions about marriage counseling, such as it’s only for couples who are considering divorce or it’s a sign of weakness. However, marriage counseling can actually be beneficial for all couples at any stage in their relationship. It’s important to note that discernment counseling and marriage counseling serve different purposes. While discernment counseling focuses on helping individuals make a decision about the future of your relationship, marriage counseling is aimed at improving the relationship itself. Both can be effective in their own ways, depending on what you need.
They’re on the Brink of Divorce Due to Issues They Don’t Know How to Resolve
I don’t want you to think that it isn’t normal for couples to have conflicts and disagreements. In fact, it’s completely normal and healthy for couples to have differences in opinions and arguments. It becomes a problem when these issues start to cause significant distress and conflict in the relationship, leading to thoughts of divorce. When this happens, it’s important for couples to seek help from a professional who can guide them toward resolving their issues in a healthy and productive manner.
Sometimes, you might find yourself struggling with issues like parenting, extended family, spiritual beliefs, or money. These are all things marriage counselors often recommend discussing before getting married. But what if you didn’t? Maybe you assumed these problems would work themselves out over time, or maybe you didn’t know how to bring them up in the early days of your relationship. Whatever the reason, it’s not too late. You can still learn how to communicate better and resolve conflicts effectively. Let’s talk about communication…
They Recognize There are Communication Issues 
Communication is another reason you might find your way to marriage counseling. You might feel like you can’t talk to your partner about anything. Either it’s due to your partner shutting down or becoming angry when you try to talk. Or because you can’t seem to find the right words to express yourself. Maybe it is due to the way you or your spouse grew up, where you may have been taught that expressing your emotions was a sign of weakness. Or, you simply don’t know how to communicate effectively without it turning into a heated argument. Whatever the reason may be, recognizing that there is a lack of healthy communication. When you both stop consulting each other or dance around important conversations, it can lead to a breakdown in trust and intimacy. When this happens? The relationship slowly, or sometimes rapidly, erodes.
Then you might find that you don’t feel as if you know a lot about each other, or you feel disconnected from one another. Marriage counseling can help you learn how to communicate effectively and rebuild trust and intimacy in your relationship. However, what else can communication issues result in? Problem-solving issues. If you can’t communicate effectively, it’s difficult to find solutions or compromise in a relationship. You can’t really problem-solve if no one is talking about the problems. This is why in my premarital counseling sessions, communication is a big part of what we talk about. Because it is so prevalent with couples who are having issues.
Now, That Might Have Caught Your Attention.
What problems are these couples facing that are ultimately bringing them to counseling? Well, it can be anything from infidelity and financial struggles to parenting disagreements and lack of intimacy. I’ve seen it all. But what I want to emphasize here is that seeking help for these issues does not mean your relationship is doomed. In fact, it means the opposite. It means you and your partner care enough about each other and your relationship to work through these challenges together.
For instance, couples I work with seek marriage counseling in Atlanta, GA to address the aftereffects of affairs. The partner who has been unfaithful might feel guilty and want to make amends, while the other partner may struggle with trust and forgiveness. When the affair ends, the unfaithful partner might think that means the end of the issue. However, this is often not the case. The end of the affair doesn’t mean the hurt, mistrust, and anger ends as well. It takes a lot of work and open communication to repair the damage caused by infidelity. Both partners need to be able to express their feelings and concerns in a safe and non-judgmental space. Through open and honest communication, couples can work through the aftermath of an affair and rebuild their relationship.
Even If Things Are Going Great in Your Relationship, Counseling Can Still Be Beneficial.
Despite what you might think, what social media, movies, and books portray, relationships are not easy. They require effort, compromise, and constant communication to thrive. That’s why even if things seem to be going well in your relationship, seeking counseling can still bring many benefits. Think of it as a workout for your relationship—it keeps your connection strong and healthy. You’ll learn how to communicate better, handle arguments without causing harm, and keep the spark alive. Marriage counseling isn’t just for couples in trouble; it’s for anyone who wants to build a stronger, deeper bond with their partner. Where couples struggle at times is having an open mind and willingness to seek support. It can be difficult to understand that what you thought was a perfect relationship may have underlying issues that could benefit from professional guidance. You might be thinking, “But we do everything together and never fight! We don’t need counseling.” But that’s not necessarily true.
Counseling can help strengthen even the strongest relationships by uncovering potential issues, improving communication skills, and providing a safe space for vulnerability. Also, if you never fight, it doesn’t necessarily mean everything is perfect. It could be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. Couples counseling can also help prevent future problems from arising. By addressing any current issues or concerns in your relationship, you can work towards building a stronger and more resilient foundation for the future. Many couples wait until they are in crisis mode before seeking counseling, but by then, it might be too late.
So Why Not Take Preventative Measures and Invest in Your Relationship Now?
Investing in your relationship is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. Whether you feel like things are perfect or you sense there’s room to grow, counseling offers tools and insights that can deepen your connection and strengthen your bond. It’s not about admitting failure—it’s about demonstrating your commitment to nurturing and evolving together. Every relationship deserves the care and attention it takes to flourish. Why wait for challenges to arise when you can take proactive steps today? Your future together is worth it.
Invest in Your Relationship with Marriage Counseling in Atlanta, GA
Don’t let distance, busyness, or apprehension hold you back any longer. Marriage counseling in Atlanta, GA can help you and your partner build a stronger and healthier relationship. At Faith and Family Empowerment. William Hemphill, our experienced marriage counselors offer a safe and non-judgmental space for couples to address their concerns and work towards building a more fulfilling partnership. We understand that every relationship is unique, and our approach is tailored to fit the specific needs of each couple. That’s why our counselors use evidence-based techniques and provide practical tools to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen intimacy. Our goal is to help you both feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate the ups and downs of your relationship. Through in-person and online therapy options for marriage counseling, we make it easier for you to prioritize your relationship and invest in its growth. When you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to get started:
- Contact me to schedule your initial appointment.
- Learn more about my services and approach.
- Invest and create a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Your relationship or marriage could be just one aspect of your life that needs support and guidance. At Faith and Family Empowerment in Decatur, GA, offers a variety of therapy services to support you through any situation you may be facing. I’m pleased to provide a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include premarital counselingand discernment counseling. Other mental health services include: Online Therapy, Christian Counseling, Depression Support Groups, and Counseling for Affair Recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!
About the Author 
Are you feeling disconnected in your marriage and wondering why couples turn to counseling? Counseling can help address common challenges like communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or a growing sense of distance. William Hemphill, a highly experienced therapist in Decatur, GA, has over twenty years of experience helping couples reconnect and strengthen their relationships. As the founder of Faith and Family Empowerment, William provides compassionate support and practical strategies to promote healing, rebuild trust, and foster healthier communication. If you’re seeking to understand how counseling can help your relationship thrive, reach out today to take the first step toward a stronger connection.