| | | | | counselor will be able to address common issues in a |
| Catholic marriage counseling is different, in the sense | | | | marriage. Is there neglect or abandonment in the |
| that it is "Christ" centered, meaning that Christian values | | | | marriage? (one partner seems to work every day, |
| are referenced during the counseling. Catholic marriage | | | | neglecting the other), are their issues involving the |
| counseling will not only require a therapist who is well | | | | children, (parenting issues, and who is falling short). |
| versed on the bible, but experienced with marriage | | | | How about the money and finances? (Is one partner in |
| therapy. | | | | "complete" control-power and control issues). These |
| 1. Catholic Marriage Counseling-What should we | | | | are just a few of the issues that a good Catholic |
| expect? | | | | marriage counselor will address at the counseling |
| Finding a good Catholic marriage counselor is easier | | | | session. |
| said then done. True, it's one thing to know the bible | | | | Naturally, the ultimate goal in Catholic counseling is to |
| inside and out, but it's another thing to be experienced | | | | refer to the bible for guidance and direction. Having |
| with marital issues that are common to every faith. | | | | "Christ" as a compass in a marriage goes a long way |
| Catholic marriage counseling should first be centered | | | | in helping the couples survive, and the therapist should |
| around "Christ" and his teachings and beliefs that he | | | | stress this. |
| imparted.(i.e., love, | | | | 4. Catholic Marriage Counseling-What about praying? |
| forgiveness,kindness,non-judgmental,truthful, etc.). If both | | | | There's and old saying that goes something like, "the |
| couples are Christian, and believe in "Christ" and his | | | | family that pray's together, stays together" Prayer is |
| ways, then that gives the couple a bit of an edge | | | | an important aspect of Catholic marriage counseling. |
| when dealing with "life issues" | | | | Here's an easy way to start with your partner. Hold |
| 2. Catholic Marriage Counseling-Is it really different? | | | | each other's hand and say something like, "Dear God, |
| Again, like we mentioned earlier, marital counseling will | | | | we are struggling here with our marriage and we want |
| and should address many issues that are common to | | | | it to succeed. Please guide us, and direct our paths in |
| couples today. When you start to look for a Catholic | | | | how and what we should be doing". It's a start, but |
| marriage counselor, you should not only verify his faith | | | | God can do miraculous things. |
| and beliefs, but you should ask him exactly how long | | | | Conclusion- Catholic Marriage Counseling |
| he has been doing marriage counseling, and what kind | | | | Catholic marriage counseling should be different then |
| of results he or she has had. Believe me, some | | | | other methods, as it should reference "Christ" as the |
| counselors are better then others. | | | | center of the marriage, and it will be him who will act |
| 3. Catholic Marriage Counseling-Will this be a bible | | | | as a "North Star" for the couple, guiding them through |
| study? | | | | difficult times. |
| No, and it shouldn't be. A good Catholic marriage | | | | |