A New Approach in Relationship Counseling and Education

In the United States, the divorce rate has exceeded 50 percent of successful civil and religious marriages. While some individuals seek to remarry, many are turning to the opposite end of the spectrum citing a freedom and sense of security without marriage. Whatever the domicile relationship, more and more couples, both married and unmarried, opt to attend couple's therapy before cohabitating. It is within couple's therapy that many adults uncover the trials and tribulations, as well as the benefits, of cohabitation and, from there, make the decision to marry or not.

For men, in particular, the decision to attend couple's therapy is often viewed as an "in your face" approach by the partner to bring to the forefront relationship issues and concerns which are, generally, not pleasant to deal with. When, in fact, this is not always the case. For men, couple's therapy should be viewed as an opportunity to take an active, leadership role in the relationship which is anticipated to move in a new direction leading to cohabitation. It is through couple's therapy that a man is equipped with a platform in which to express his desire to move forward and to define his role within the family unit.

During couple's therapy, fundamental relationship issues are addressed such as religion, child rearing and finances. However, based on the nature of the couple's relationship, and the degree to which marriage and cohabitation may be on the horizon, the therapist can design a unique program for the couple offering professional counseling advice for situations ranging from children, step children, caring for in-laws and even long distance relationships.