Family counselling and marital counselling are both types of therapy aimed at improving relationships, but they focus on different dynamics and levels within a family unit.

Marital Counseling:

• • Marital counseling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, primarily focuses on the relationship between two partners in a committed romantic or marital relationship.
  • The primary goal is to address issues within the relationship, improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the bond between spouses.
  • Common issues addressed in marital counseling include communication problems, infidelity, sexual difficulties, financial disagreements, and parenting conflicts.
  • The therapist works with both partners together to identify underlying issues, develop strategies for resolving conflicts, and enhance the overall quality of the relationship.

Family Counseling:

• • • Family counselling, on the other hand, addresses issues within the broader family system, including relationships between parents and children, siblings, and extended family members.
    • It focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering healthy relationships among all family members.
    • Family counseling may involve individual sessions with different family members as well as joint sessions with the entire family present.
    • Common issues addressed in family counseling include parenting challenges, blended family issues, behavioral problems in children or adolescents, substance abuse, grief and loss, and family transitions such as divorce or remarriage.
    • The therapist helps family members understand each other’s perspectives, identify patterns of interaction that may contribute to conflicts, and develop strategies for building stronger, more supportive relationships within the family unit.

In summary

While marital counseling specifically targets the relationship between spouses or partners, family counseling addresses the dynamics and relationships within the broader family system. Both forms of therapy aim to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships, but they differ in their scope and focus.

In some cases, couples may benefit from both forms of counselling. For instance, if marital issues are impacting the children, then family counselling could be helpful.

Feeling disconnected in your family?

Is conflict affecting your home life? Strengthen your family bonds and create a more positive environment for everyone. Schedule a consultation today to explore if family counseling is right for you.

Book an appointment with Dr Nisha Khanna, a renowned relationship counsellor.