Common Misconceptions About Marriage/Couples Therapy
Many people are unsure about couples therapy because they have misconceptions about what happens there. Let's talk about some of these misconceptions to help you understand what couples therapy is really like.
Table of Contents
Misconception #1: Therapy is only for relationships that are about to end
Many people think that couples only go to therapy when their relationship is almost over. This is not true. While therapy can help couples with big problems, it’s also good for couples who just want to make their relationship better or work through small problems.
Couples go to therapy for many reasons: to learn how to talk better, to deal with trust issues, or to solve problems with physical closeness. Some therapists even say couples therapy can help stop small problems from turning into big ones.
Misconception #2: The therapist will say who is right and who is wrong
Some people worry that the therapist will be like a judge who decides which person in the couple is right and which is wrong. This is not what therapists do.
Therapists don’t pick sides or blame anyone. Instead, they help couples understand why they have problems. Therapists don’t tell couples what to do. They help both people talk and listen better so they can solve problems together.
Misconception #3: Going to marriage counseling means you’ll get divorced
Some people think that starting couples therapy means your relationship will end soon. This might be because many couples wait until things are very bad before they get help.
The truth is that therapy can help many couples fix their relationship. While some couples might still decide to split up, many find that therapy helps them feel close again, solve fights, and make their relationship stronger. Therapy gives couples a safe place to talk about what they want to do next.
Misconception #4: One person is always the cause of all the problems
Another misconception is that when a couple has problems, it’s all one person’s fault. People may be scared to go to therapy because they think the therapist will say they are the problem.
Good therapists know that relationship problems usually involve both people. Instead of blaming one person, therapists help couples see how they both add to their problems. The goal is to help both people understand each other better.
Misconception #5: Needing therapy means your relationship is a failure
Some people think that going to therapy means they have failed at their relationship or that they are weak. This makes some couples avoid getting help.
Getting couples therapy actually shows that you care about your relationship. It shows you want to work hard to make things better. Just like we see doctors for our bodies or teachers for learning, seeing a therapist for relationship help is a smart and brave choice.
Misconception #6: The therapist will take sides
Many people worry that the therapist will like one person better and take their side. This fear can stop couples from getting help, especially if they think they won’t be treated fairly.
Professional therapists are trained to stay fair and not take sides. They act as a neutral person who can see things clearly without choosing favorites. They create a safe place where both people feel heard and respected, which helps couples have better talks.
What to Remember
If you’ve been worried about trying couples therapy because of these misconceptions, we hope this helps you understand what it’s really like. Couples therapy can give you tools to talk better, solve problems, and make your relationship stronger—whether you have big problems or just want to be closer.
When choosing a therapist, it’s okay to ask questions about how they work, what experience they have, and what they think makes relationships good. Finding the right therapist for you is important.
Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It shows you care enough about your relationship to try to make it better.