If you are experiencing a relationship challenge, we can help you through it. We offer confidential, professional and supportive assistance.

We understand that taking the first step towards addressing your relationship concerns is not always easy. We are here to make it as comfortable as possible for you to get back on track.

What is marriage counseling?
Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, helps couples understand and reduce conflict and improve their relationship. Marriage counseling gives couples the tools to manage expectations, communicate better, negotiate differences, problem solve and to improve teamwork within the relationship.
We believe that it is important to reduce conflict for a healthy relationship and it is equally important to nurture and strengthen the positive aspects of the relationship, such as friendship.  We therefore focus on strengthening the relationship through healthy interaction and commitment while working to reduce conflict and improve communication.

How does Marriage Counseling help?
Couple counseling offers a safe, neutral setting which enables you to explore complex and sometimes painful or distressing issues in a confidential and constructive way.    

We understand that confronting relationship issues can be challenging, and that you and your partner may feel anxious and uncomfortable about coming to counseling. It is normal for spouses to have different feelings about or expectations of counseling - one partner, for example, may be more enthusiastic or at ease with the situation than the other. We aim to make the process as comfortable as possible.

Couples who are having trouble communicating, may find it easier to speak to each other and to say things they need to say in front of the therapist. Couples are coached at being able to communicate in a non blaming and constructive way.

We also support you in practicing the skills you will learn so that they become habitual and easy for you.

Our approach is safe and non-judgmental. The therapist offers a third point of view not to decide who is right but to enable you to see your situation differently and work towards building healthy patterns of behavior and communication.

When should we begin Marriage Counseling?
It is really best to deal with relationship issues early on. Over time, constant conflict and hurt feelings cause wear and tear on the relationship. Most couples wait far too long to seek counseling. The sooner you start, the earlier you can get your relationship back on track and experience comfort and joy in your relationship rather than pain and hurt.

Can every relationship be helped by counseling?
We are able to help the majority of couples. Although we are strongly pro-marriage and do our best to support you in your relationship, we recognize that not every marriage can or should be saved. In relationships where is severe violence or abuse and the abuser is not open to seeking help or changing, we cannot help through counseling since counseling assumes that there is physical safety within the relationship for both spouses. In cases of domestic violence or abuse, we can support the victim through individual counseling and support the abuser get the help and support that they need in a different context.

Must both partners attend?
No. We often conduct relationship counseling with just one spouse. While working together as a couple is generally the preferred approach, even if your partner is uncomfortable with counseling and is reluctant to attend, you can still benefit by working with a therapist alone.  Often, when one partner changes, the whole dynamic of the relationship changes too. We believe that one person can impact the relationship in a positive way even if their spouse is not open to counseling at this time.

How long do I need to commit to counseling for?
We specialize in solution focused brief therapy which can have a positive outcome in as little as four sessions. For most couples, we recommend between four to six sessions and we find that couples can develop and practice healthy relationship habits during this time period.

Will it cost me anything?
While the vast majority of our services are provided free of cost, we recognize that some couples prefer to pay for counseling services. If you are able and willing to pay for counseling, please discuss this directly with your counselor.

What should I do next?
You can email us (supportservices@jaffari.org) or call us (1-888-JSS-7860) to arrange a session where we can assess your needs and discuss how we may be able to help.  You can ensure all information is kept confidential.