We’ve always been told patience is a virtue, but when it comes to couples counseling…is it?

Hi there! I’m Orly Gueron, a relationship specialist and licensed marriage and family therapist. With a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy from the University of Miami and over twelve years of experience (eight in private practice), relationship counseling is truly my passion. I believe that my role is to help couples harness their inner strength and discover the tools they already have within to "jump start" their journey toward love and happiness!

The most basic piece of advice I give couples who are struggling with their relationship is to take the plunge into couples counseling. Timing is truly everything… especially where relationships are concerned!

When couples try to tackle difficult problems by themselves and never seem to find resolution, years pass without any reconciliation or forgiveness. It’s no secret that the majority of couples wait far too long to attend couples counseling, and sadly, once they do, their bond is damaged beyond repair.

So, what’s the answer? Don’t make the mistake of waiting! In this case, good things come to those who ask for help!

The Problem with Waiting

The issues in your relationship may start out as small and deceivingly insignificant little annoyances. However, if problems aren’t immediately addressed and resolved, they begin to fester and grow. Even if you revert back to one singular issue, often there’s a new set of problems stemming off from it and making everything ten times worse. You want couples counseling early – don’t turn it into break up or divorce counseling.

The issues in your relationship may start out as small and deceivingly insignificant little annoyances. However, if problems aren’t immediately addressed and resolved, they begin to fester and grow. Even if you revert back to one singular issue, often there’s a new set of problems stemming off from it and making everything ten times worse. You want couples counseling early – don’t turn it into break up or divorce counseling.

Another problem with waiting too long to seek counseling guidance is that by the time you get there there’s a greater chance of you or your partner being emotionally exhausted and ready to throw in the towel before the real fight has begun. Don’t allow couples counseling to be the place where your relationship comes to die. It should be more of a beginning than an ending. I want to give you and your significant other the chance to improve and repair your relationship or marriage. So, don’t wait. Give your relationship a fighting chance.

Sometimes It Takes Three to Tango

Ever heard of Gottman? Dr. John Gottman, a highly esteemed relationship and marriage expert, claims that on average couples wait six years in an unhappy relationship before ever seeking counseling. How crazy is that? That is six years of anger, resentment, and hurt feelings that aren’t even addressed until it’s far too late. I want to help you learn to sort through your feelings and effectively deconstruct problems.

For instance, let’s say that Lisa and Greg finally attend a counseling session after years of running around in circles fighting over the same old issue. Lisa would like to cut back on her work hours and stay home with their two daughters more often. Greg feels as if they don’t have the financial stability to allow Lisa to sacrifice some of her income. They argue day in and day out but never land on a solid solution.

The problem here is the underlying issue that is not even being addressed. It turns out that Greg feels deeply inadequate about his ability to provide for his family and panics at the idea of doing it all on his own. In turn, Lisa feels Greg is willing to sacrifice her time with their children to make sure they’re financially comfortable. Clearly, neither Greg nor Lisa is going to openly express their feelings when it’s just the two of them. But with counseling, some of these feelings of resentment and inadequacy can be released, discussed, and worked through.

When You Need More Than a Friend

It breaks my heart that there is an unnecessary, negative stigma surrounding couples counseling. It’s not for the weak or loony. It’s actually for the strong who are willing to face their problems and the intelligent who care about finding solutions. The entire point of counseling is asking for help. We are all human, and sometimes, we need an unbiased ear to give us guidance on how to handle (not manhandle) each other. Friends and family are great supporters, but they are not equipped to give you the best advice to save your relationship – and they are NOT unbiased. While your loved ones can be a comforting shoulder to cry on, I can be your confidant, who assists you in patching up your relationship and growing together…rather than apart!

Good Things Come to Those Who Ask for Help

Unfortunately, I cannot provide all the answers in a single session. However, a single session truly is the first step. If you’ve waited too long to seek out a counselor, some issues may be so deeply-seated that they seem impossible to uproot. So, again I urge you, don’t wait! Relationships are not all flowers and rainbows, and couples counseling is not either. It will be hard work and take time, effort, and willingness from both of you, but it’s 100% worth it in the end.

One of the best choices you can make in your life is to invest in your relationship… because when you do, beautiful things happen!

If you'd like couple counseling to repair and improve your relationship, contact Orly Gueron a Licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship specialist in Aventura, FL!