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Marriage Counseling in Greenville SC:
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FAQ's and Real Client Stories |
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Our Greenville SC Marriage Counselors -
Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Over 20+ years of marriage counseling in Greenville SC, our expert team of marriage counselors have found that people share many of the same questions and concerns about what happens in couples counseling, how to select a marriage counselor, and what to expect from couples therapy and relationship counseling. Here are the questions that are asked most frequently:
Why are my partner and I having these problems in our marriage?
Men & women really are different, and those differences often create conflict, pain, and frustration in a marriage. But there really are practical ways to improve communication, increase passion and intimacy, and make your marriage everything you always hoped it would be. By integrating the MARS & VENUS counseling perspective with proven communication strategies, our therapists can help you revolutionize your marriage.
Shouldn't we be able to fix this on our own without marriage counseling?
When couples confront problems on their own, they often do what we call shooting at symptoms - thinking the problem is "we're not having sex" or "we're always arguing about money." Most often, these are just symptoms of deeper issues, so focusing on the symptoms doesn't make a significant difference. Our relationship counselors can help you avoid that frustration, identifying what the real core issues are, and helping you make the foundational types of changes required to really turn things around quickly and permanently.
But what if it's too late for marriage counseling?
Even if you think you've waited too long, you may be surprised at the difference our counselors can make. We understand what it feels like when you and your partner have done so much damage to each other that you can't believe there are any pieces left to put back together. But the one thing we want you to know is that it really is possible to heal from any amount of damage in a marriage - and even make your marriage better than it ever was before.
But what if my partner won't come to marriage counseling?
When one partner makes the first move, the other often follows suit. Even if they don't, we've found that even one partner who is committed to improving a marriage can have a radical impact on the quality of their marriage. When you change your approach to your partner, your partner can't help but change their response to you - and your Mars & Venus therapist will help you learn how.
What exactly happens in a counseling session?
In marriage counseling, you'll work with an expert counselor who will act as a "marriage coach," drawing attention to patterns & problems you can't see. He or she will help you begin creating an atmosphere of caring and trust in your marriage, make constructive changes instead of placing blame, and really develop a whole new level of understanding & appreciation for each other.
But isn't marriage counseling expensive?
Our counselors make it as convenient and affordable as possible for you to get the help you need. We accept most major credit cards and all types of health insurance - we even take care of filing your claims for you. Each therapist in our practice offers flexible scheduling, and new clients are assured of being seen promptly.
But what if I'm too far away to come for marriage counseling?
Because many people do have either geographical or occupational constraints that simply make it impractical to come in to our office for regular marriage counseling sessions, our counselors are now doing telephone consultation with clients all over the country. This has proven to be a very cost effective and time efficient approach for many, and the therapeutic benefits are comparable to what clients receive in face-to-face marriage counseling.
Real Client Stories:
"A year ago today was one of the worst days of my life, a hellish day in a life that already was on a sickening downward spiral. I had a counseling appointment with you later in the week, and at the time I could not even begin to imagine coming out of that deep, dark, spiraling abyss.
But I did. One day I said that, 'Eventually R____ and I will figure out what in the world we're doing.' Although I could not see how that was true, you seemed to believe it could happen, and your reply was a great comfort: 'I'm absolutely convinced of that.'
Sometime later, I told you that I would be okay. I was not okay at the time, and I didn't know how I would be again, but it was a statement of faith.
The other day I was talking with a friend whose marriage of 30+ years is in serious jeopardy. I was frankly surprised to find how truly "okay" I am now.
I am, of course, the same person I was a year ago. At the same time, I am not at all the same person, and will never be that person again. I am so much smarter, so much stronger, so much more vulnerable, so much more open to lessons of the universe. I can't begin to imagine how I would have come through all that hell without your help.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
- from a former client
"Greg made both my spouse and me feel very comfortable in sharing our situation. He was very quick to grasp our difficulties, and often was able to put things together into words better than we could. Our marriage really benefited from the practical ideas/suggestions/homework and didn't feel that we were just given theories or generalizations. He was perceptive, able to understand our situation, and gave us practical suggestions on ways to improve. I've already given his name to one friend, and would gladly give to others who need counseling. Thank you!"
- from a former client (seen only 12 times) 3 months after counseling complete
"My wife and I were ready to dissolve a 14 year marriage. After counseling with Greg our marriage was saved. He showed us both what we were doing wrong, put us on the path to recovering our original love for each other, and then helped us move down this path. I would recommend to anyone, young or old, if they are having problems with their marriage, to see Greg. I recommend him 100%!"
- from a client - after only 7 sessions
"We are making immediate and excellent progress in our marriage. I thank you very heartily for what you are doing. There has been from day one, a feeling of rightness about your counseling approach. A combination of wisdom and common sense, which, of itself, is rare - the kind of perception that you have just seems to ring true over and over again, which gives one the feeling that you hit home-runs a lot. Thank you."
- from a new client, after 5 sessions
"Greg Smith helped us to get back on the right track by enabling us to look at each other differently. Through counseling with Greg, we are now having a wonderful marriage again. We now both feel secure and trusting of each other. It has become so easy to enjoy each other. Thank you Greg!"
- from a client - after only 6 sessions
"I want to thank you for all you've done for both my wife and me. The goals and strategies we laid out at the beginning of counseling are truly being realized in our life as a couple. The summer has been truly blissful for our marriage."
- from a former client, 3 months after counseling complete
"I've taken the tools from counseling and applied them to my current situation. Though it hasn't been easy, it has felt better meeting my situations head on. I'm very comfortable with Greg as my counselor!"
- from a new client, after 2 sessions
"Greg is doing a great job. He is very friendly and he always listens to everything. He is patient and understanding. He made an awful situation very comfortable, and he is very easy to talk to."
- from a new client, after 5 sessions
"I just wanted to thank you for all the time you are investing into my life right now. It's been a real blessing to me. You cared a lot to help me when I was in need, and I am really grateful for all that."
- from a current client
"You have a very special gift in the area of counseling. You are number one on my Christian counseling recommendation list - because you're good!"
- from a local Minister
"Greg has done a great job. He offers many ways to look at a situation & allows you to think, which enables one to grow and learn!"
- from a new client, after 10 sessions
"Everything was great. Greg is a wonderful counselor. My children & I felt very comfortable talking with him."
- from a former client
"I feel that my needs were completely met."
---from a former client
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