Dutse, Abuja (FCT)6 marriage counselors near you

Holders of a diploma in marriage and family counselling can work as marriage counsellors after approximately two years of training and internships. Professionals from the medico-social sector can follow this training: nurses, social workers, educators, psychologists, etc.

A marriage and family counsellor may seem atypical in the field of social work. However, in view of the growing need for support for couples who have difficulty accessing a family education centre or family planning centre, this profile of marriage expert has gradually become established. What he does is to help people to take stock, during individual interviews, as a couple or as a family. Trained in active listening and conflict management, a couple therapist is able to intervene in the most delicate situations: difficulty in finding one's place in a couple, conjugal violence, adultery, jealousy, lack of sexuality, hostility of the spouses to the use of contraceptives, or simply worries when a pregnancy is announced. During the marital consultation, which lasts about an hour, the counsellor guides the persons in expressing their feelings, finding out their expectations and, in the most neutral circumstances, trying to discuss with them their situation. Then he tries to discuss possible options or solutions with them. With their agreement, the counsellor may refer the situation to a network of social and medico-social actors in the region. Outside of the consultancy, the practitioner also plays an awareness-raising role. He participates in group events, such as in schools, youth centres and cultural centres, to discuss issues related to relationships, emotional and sexual life and the prevention of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Half therapist, half social worker, the marriage counsellor is bound by professional secrecy. They are also required to supervise their practice with a professional of their choice.

It is always advisable to try to re-establish communication between two spouses who are experiencing difficulties. In order to achieve this, a family mediator is always at your service. During the therapy, the partners discuss the relationship problems they are experiencing together. They are accompanied by the psychologist who acts as a conciliator or mediator to find new reflective solutions for the couple. If separation is unavoidable, the marriage counsellor can help the partners to get along. The future of the separation is dealt with in a serene manner that also safeguards the interests of the children.

When you are facing crises in your life as a couple, as a family, and more generally, when you are confronted with difficulties that you cannot overcome. This can be communication difficulties in the couple, domestic violence, sexual difficulties, infidelity, the birth of a baby, the education of a child, family conflicts, money worries, facing a period of unemployment or a crisis, a break-up, an abuse, an illness or a bereavement to overcome...

Marriage counsellors usually work in independent practices, associations or regional public institutions or a hospital. If you wish to consult a marriage and family counsellor, you have several options: either contact the town hall, the departmental council or the social centre in your town nearest to your home, or consult the directory of marriage and family counsellors provided by the National Association of Marriage and Family Counsellors (ANCCEF). There should be one near you!

When a couple is on the verge of collapse, there is usually an underlying cause. The individuals feel misunderstood and sometimes they are almost strangers to each other. Couple psychotherapy may be necessary to understand the reasons for your disagreement with your partner. This should not be taken lightly. That is why, in this case, the family therapist acts as a kind of mediator. He or she can help you to identify the origin of the problems so that they can be resolved. Couple psychotherapy costs about €40 per person per session.

It is not always easy to find a good therapist to solve a marital crisis, but the following 5 tips can help you find a counsellor who is right for you: trust word of mouth, make your choice together, don't neglect sexuality (i.e. favour a counsellor who is also a sex therapist), find out what their speciality is, and think about giving it a try!

What types of couples have you worked with and have you been able to help them with problems like ours? What therapeutic methods do you use, how successful are they? What kind of mental health professional are you and how have you used your experience to succeed? What can we expect from a therapy session? What methods of payment do you accept and do you offer discounted payment methods that we can use?