Last updated on April 6th, 2023 at 12:14 am
People clearly don’t get married with the intention of ever getting a divorce, and Catholics place an even greater premium on staying married more than others. However, what happens when the marriage takes a turn for the worse? Many people look for online Catholic marriage counseling near me.
The institution of marriage is sacred, a bond and union in which two people commit to helping their husband or wife become their best selves in the eyes of God and each other.
Sometimes, however, things don’t go as planned, and what starts as a blessed union in holy matrimony descends into something far more complicated. And when two people who pledged their lives to each other can no longer inhabit the same space, we have to look carefully at how we rise to the challenges of a troubled marriage while remaining faithful to our Catholic beliefs. This is where Catholic marriage counseling online or near you can help.
Why Seek Catholic Marriage Counseling?
All too often, problems in a marriage creep up unexpectedly. Before anybody realizes there’s an issue, resentment has already taken root, and one or both parties are already thinking about making an exit.
Initial feelings of distance can easily be disguised if the couple has busy or hectic lives, or sadly many people believe that husbands and wives will drift naturally over time. However, ignoring the minor (but solvable) problems because of an inherent desire to maintain the status quo only builds resentment, which can get worse until the marriage becomes untenable.
Need Someone To Talk To?
BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists online.
Think about the relief of sharing your burdens with a professional.
>> Start your journey with BetterHelp now and receive 20% off of your first month.
.
When to Call It Quits
Even when everything feels lost, it’s essential to remember that even the most troubled marriages can be restored to their former loving glory with proper Catholic marriage counseling and a little faith. There are many opposing questions to be asked and answered before enquiring, “When is the right time to call it a day?”.
Catholicism has long since been the champion of using divorce only when there are no other options, and even then only under extreme circumstances. However, social scientists have conducted decades of research to come to the same conclusion that the Catholic church arrived at a long time ago: Even an amicable divorce can be problematic for all those involved.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2383 reads, “If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.” This allows divorce for followers of the Catholic faith should their situation meet the appropriate criteria.
However, even though couples who are prepared to follow this route are absolved of certain promises and commitments from a legal standpoint, these procedures do not undo the promises they made to each other in the eyes and the presence of God.
Though permitted in the Catholic faith, divorce is a convoluted process, and much thought, consideration and contemplation should be given to the outcome before deciding if meeting it head-on really is the only remaining option. This is why I always recommend that people seek Catholic pre-marriage counseling before walking down the aisle.
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
If the answer isn’t immediately evident to you, other questions need answering before you consider making this final and life-defining decision. Trying to reach your destination without planning a route never works and will only worsen matters. This is where it really helps to attend Catholic marriage counseling near me or online.
Ask yourself these questions:
“Is it possible to change the way I conduct myself to better adapt to the way my spouse is behaving?”
“Can I develop patience, honesty, understanding, and courage so I can empathize with my husband/wife rather than being irritated by them?”
Whatever path you choose to follow, prayer is an essential part of the process that will give you the strength to face this challenge and the courage to become the man or woman that God wants you to be.
Find The Best Catholic Marriage Counseling Near You
While it may be tempting to talk to friends and co-workers about your marital issues and how you might proceed, it’s essential to speak to a trained yet impartial member of the church. Although it’s best to attend Catholic premarital counseling, it’s never too late. If it’s a struggle to get to grips with the life you live, there’s very little chance that someone who doesn’t know the finer points of your marriage can give you any practical or actionable advice.
In my experience, these people will more than likely tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear. Therefore, making life-altering decisions based on potentially biased information is not advisable.
If thoughts of divorce plague your thought processes, it’s a good idea to speak to a spiritual director, Catholic counselor, or pastor as they will be trained in the Catholic teachings on marriage and family life.
But why is that important? Because divorce is final, and even with the best intentions, divorce permeates darkness across the spirit and conscience. Divorce should only be used when all other avenues have been exhausted.
To be able to deal with the negative feelings that can arise in even the most clear-cut of divorce cases, it’s pivotal that you’re sure you did everything within your power to save your marriage. That through careful consideration, Catholic marriage counseling online counseling, and prayer, you’re positive you armed yourself with all the knowledge you needed to arrive at the correct decision.
Don’t put yourself through unnecessary stress when the church can accompany you along your journey to help you make the right call.
Need Someone To Talk To?
BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists online.
Think about the relief of sharing your burdens with a professional.
>> Start your journey with BetterHelp now and receive 20% off of your first month.
.
Run the Race With God By Your Side
Marriage is a marathon. There are no shortcuts, and the journey is long and hard. Unfortunately, many marathon runners fail with the finish line in sight because they don’t have the will to keep going. However, runners who dig deep and find the courage to push through the pain are rewarded with the euphoria of victory.
Reports show that couples who stuck in their marriage for five years after considering divorce found their lives happier and better than they were at the start of their union if they could find the courage to battle through.
While running a marathon is tough, it’s easier to keep going with God at your side.
Most regular counselors are not fully trained as marriage counselors, yet they offer marital advice. Even more disturbing, their first action is not to save the marriage but instead to try and ensure a smooth and amicable path to divorce.
Don’t wait for your spouse to agree to marriage counseling if they’re reluctant. Instead, show them that you’re serious about saving your marriage by going on your own. Any Catholic marriage counselor worth their salt is well-versed in the art of one-person marriage counseling and can teach you the skills you need to get your union back on track.
If your significant other sees improvement in your behavior and demeanor as a result of the counseling, they might be inclined to go along with you to your next meeting to get their side of the story heard too.
If you are dealing with other mental health issues, we can also help you find affordable Christian counseling near you.
Locate The Best Catholic Marriage Counseling Near Me Or Online
If you fear that you may be headed down the path of divorce, then locating the best Catholic marriage counseling near you or online is by far the best thing that you can do.
You could start by asking one of the priests at your church. They no doubt will be able to point you in the right direction. However, if you live in a more remote area, you may discover that it is difficult to find a qualified Catholic marriage therapist near you.
Another great option is online Catholic marriage counseling. I have referred many couples to BetterHelp and have seen great outcomes. It may not be right for everybody, but online faith-based marriage counseling offers greater flexibility, convenience, and affordability. It’s also super easy to get started. I recommend not putting it off any longer. All you need to do is click the button below, complete a few simple questions, and you will be matched with a faith-based counselor soon after.
Feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward?
BetterHelp’s online therapists can offer you the guidance you need.
Picture a life where you have a trained advisor helping you through life’s toughest challenges.
Begin Your Healing Journey with BetterHelp Now and Receive 20% Off of Your First Month.
.
If you are a bilingual couple, there is also excellent online Spanish marriage counseling available.
Leave a Reply