Couples Counseling Genetics

When a relationship is in trouble and you wish to explore therapy, you and your partner will want to pursue genetics couples counseling for your needs. Otherwise, if you are not willing to find a therapist, you may decide to end a relationship that is actually worth saving. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we have several therapists on staff, each of whom offers a unique perspective and set of tools for helping couples work through challenges in their relationship.

Genetics couples counseling is a type of therapy that involves checking the family medical history and medical records to see if there is a risk of a disorder or illness. Depending on the situation, couples may find genetics couples counseling insightful and informative. For example, couples who want to start a family may want to find out if there is a history of birth defects in their families. It is also suitable for couples who are going through issues in their relationship and they want to look deeper into their family and medical histories for possible answers. 

Tips for Finding the Best Couples Counseling

When it comes to the “best” of anything, that’s a subjective term, even when it comes to finding a therapist for genetics couples counseling. In fact, someone who might be the best counselor for you may not be the best for your partner or vice versa. When you are first doing research for couples counseling, it can be hard to know where to start. Your initial findings may not be the best for both you and your partner. It is recommended that you take your time so that you find a couples counselor that is suitable for you both, and one who has the skills and background to fit your particular needs. However, to find one who is the best possible fit for both of you, consider the following when choosing a couples counselor:

1. Ask if they have experience helping clients with the specific issues, such as genetics, you and your partner would like to address, they may be able to provide you with genetics couples counseling. They should be familiar with various genetic disorders and how they may contribute to issues that couples face. 
2. Ask how they help clients who are dealing with the challenges you and your partner are facing. Each counselor will have their own set of preferred methods that they specialize in. 
3. Ask if you can switch therapists if the one you choose turns out to not be a good fit. Sometimes the first therapist or counselor that you see will not be the best match, so it’s important to be able to look around until you find one that is suitable for you. 
4. Ask if they offer one-on-one sessions as well as couples sessions if at some point you wish to have that instead, or in conjunction with genetics couples counseling. This can help you decide the right model for you and your partner. 
5. Ask if they offer multiple session therapy packages, or if they only charge for each appointment at no discount. Therapists have their own pricing structure that is based on the number of sessions. 
6. Ask what they charge per session as well as for other therapy options such as multiple sessions. 
7. Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy. 
8. Ask where they are located and options for parking or proximity to local bus stops and routes.

Commitment to Couples Counseling for Genetics

When it comes to couples counseling for genetics, even the best couples counselor will not be effective if you and your partner are not willing to invest yourselves in the process. For counseling to be successful, you have to be willing to take accountability for the mistakes you have made in your relationship. Depending on the issues you wish to focus on, very likely both of you will have to be open to taking responsibility for your actions and changing your behavior. During your first genetics couples counseling session with your therapist, they may be able to give you an idea as to how many sessions you may need, but the assumption is that you and your partner will be engaged in therapy.

It may also be helpful for the process if you as well as your partner simultaneously engage in individual therapy. This will allow a counselor to have a better idea of the personal issues and struggles that you and your partner are facing. This can be discussed at any time during your couples counseling for genetics sessions.

Unhealthy Patterns That May Lead to Divorce

With nearly half of marriages ending in divorce, a successful marriage may be harder than you think. It is often even harder when dealing with a genetics issue. Many couples may not think of genetics issues as something that could be affecting their marriage. Nobody goes into marriage expecting to be included in that statistic; however, enduring genetic couples counseling can help. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we understand that although divorce is  common, it is not inevitable. By adapting and changing the way you and your partner communicate with one another, your relationship can have an improved chance of success, especially when facing the stressors of genetic issues. 

Unhealthy Relationship Patterns That Can Lead to Divorce

Here are some specific unhealthy relationship dynamics that may need to be overcome or avoided for a marriage to beat the divorce statistic. Remember, that couples counseling for genetic issues can help to face relational problems and emotions that come with issues regarding genetics can help. A counselor who specializes in genetics counseling can see if there are disorders that may be contributing to the issues you and your partner are having difficulty resolving. 

Stonewalling

Most humans don’t seek out and revel in conflict, yet it’s an unavoidable part of all relationships. Many believe that conflict is the source of relationship problems. But that’s a common misconception. Plus, it’s a dangerous perspective because it leads partners to avoid conflict.

In truth, it’s the way we approach—or don’t approach—the conflict that’s typically the real problem. Stonewalling, a refusal to communicate or cooperate, often occurs when partners know that an argument is looming, so they may do everything they can to avoid it. This can mean abandoning the conversation and refusing to revisit it, or just carrying on like nothing is wrong. As a result, the couple does not have the conversation. Avoiding certain topics can have a negative impact because it doesn’t allow the couple the opportunity to find solutions to their problem together. Being able to work on issues together is a key part of making a marriage work. Genetics couples counseling from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates may be able to help you and your partner break down the walls you both have put up. 

Unfortunately, though, when we avoid conflict, we often internalize them and hold resentments. As problems are ignored or acted upon in passive-aggressive ways, the relationship starts to become superficial. Consequently, issues that were once small, and possibly even trivial, eventually become monumental challenges as stonewalling continues. The longer an issue goes unaddressed, the stronger the resentment may become. Once or if a topic is finally brought up, it may be harder for the couple to have a productive conversation about it. As a genetics couples counseling therapist can explain, stonewalling is a common issue, but one that can be overcome.

Internalized Feelings

The internalized views partners have for one another need to be healthy and positive. For example, feelings of contempt can be extremely damaging to a relationship. Contempt surpasses feelings of anger or frustration towards a partner.

Contempt involves a spouse thinking and behaving as if they are better than their partner. That feeling of superiority means they may respect their significant other less and treat them as if they aren’t equal. Partners don’t have to agree on everything, but they do need to respect each other enough to take their needs and opinions into account. Genetics couples counseling can help. 

Character Criticism

Partners typically find it unpleasant to be criticized, accused, or blamed by the person they love most. Criticism is even harder to bear when the critique is misconstrued as or turns into pointing out of character flaws. Generalizing one small incident and turning it into a character flaw can be an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

So, couples may be best served by taking a step back and trying to separate the situation from the person. When engaging with their partner, couples should try to avoid derogatory statements that include “always” and “never.”

How to Save Your Marriage with Genetics Couples Counseling 

Although marriages require a lot of work and commitment, you really can reap what you sow. To sustain a healthy and happy marriage, you need to avoid some of the typical relationship pitfalls.

To learn more about how to deal with different dynamics in your relationship, contact Lindsey Hoskins & Associates for help through face-to-face genetic couples counseling sessions with a qualified therapist. To get started now, give us a call to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online.

Call Us Today

We invite you to meet with one of our therapists who might be the best genetics couples counselor for you and your partner. We will be happy to explain all of the therapy sessions that we offer clients. If you would like to find out more about the couples counseling genetics and other issues we offer, give our office a call today for an appointment.

Genetic Counseling for Couples: The Benefits of Couples Counseling

When you are thinking about couples counseling for genetics, you might also be wondering whether or not you can actually open up to a stranger and reveal sensitive details about your relationship. Although it is natural to have this concern, knowing that you have a couples counselor to open up to can actually be one of the overall benefits of these sessions. 

A genetic condition can play a significant role in your relationship, even impacting a number of facets to your lives, including money, sex and key medical decisions you may be required to make. You may find it easier to talk with a professionally trained therapist providing couples counseling for genetics. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we have experience in discussing these issues from an unbiased, non-judgmental point of view. If you are considering couples counseling for genetic issues you and your partner may be facing, but are unsure whether or not it is worth it, consider these benefits:

You Can Clarify Your Feelings About Your Relationship

Relationships come with their own set of challenges, and one thing that can make a relationship especially complicated is the inability to determine how you actually feel about your partner. For example, some people will attend genetics couples counseling knowing they want to work out their issues. Others come feeling confused and unsure about whether or not they want to continue the relationship. A scheduled, weekly session can allow you and your partner to open up and discuss thoughts and feelings in regards to a medical diagnosis and the way it may be impacting your life. Couples counseling for genetics can begin to pave the path towards the direction that may be right for both of you. 

Indifferences Can Be Addressed

Arguing can either strengthen or weaken a relationship. Many people come to couples counseling for genetic issues because they are finding it difficult to address certain topics, such as the way a diagnosis has affected them, family planning, communication, sex, and so forth. Couples counseling for genetics can act as a forum, and safe place to address these topics. Various things can be highlighted and one another’s point of view may be understood. Values that are aligned can be noted, and those that are different from one another can also be addressed. Even if you are not arguing about major life decisions, such as key medical decisions that may need to be made, or where you should move to, small arguments may be the source of deeper issues such as the genetic medical challenge you are facing. 

It Can Deepen Your Connection

You might not be going to genetics couples counseling because you argue too much. Perhaps you actually feel that there is a disconnection in the wake of a genetic medical diagnosis. You may not converse much, and when you do, it’s regarding basic things like what you ate for lunch and who will be picking up the kids. You might not have had sex  in several months, and staying at work late might feel more appealing than being at home. These are indicators that something is not right. Whether the spark has gone down or you have grown into a different person, one or both of you may no longer be making an effort. Genetics couples counseling can reinvigorate the passion you once had; this is partly due to the ability to give the relationship the attention it needs and deserves. 

Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, Offering Couples Counseling for Genetics in Maryland

Whether you are trying to decide whether or not to have children, are dealing with a genetic condition or you would like to improve communication, couples counseling can help. There are many benefits to couples counseling. Many couples are hesitant about attending counseling sessions because they are concerned about how they may be perceived by their family and friends. However, going to counseling does not mean that you failed in your relationship. It simply means that you may benefit from professional help to address certain areas of your relationship. To learn more about what genetics couples counseling can offer you, schedule a confidential appointment today. Contact Lindsey Hoskins & Associates to schedule your genetics couples counseling session today.