Marriage Counseling and Money: I Can’t Afford Couples Counseling Right Now – What Should I Do?

Many couples reach a point in their marriage where they cannot manage their relationship issues without marriage counseling. They may argue all the time over small and big things, or they may never talk at all. As a result, they feel disconnected and distant, unable to communicate and be there for one another. 

Some couples consider marriage counseling to improve their relationship, learn how to communicate better, or simply need support facing a significant life decision such as moving in together or starting a family.

Marriage counseling Raleigh, NC can be a safe environment to address these and many other issues you have (either individually or as a couple).

But you may not be able to afford marriage counseling right now. Unfortunately, money can be a stumbling block for many couples when it comes to marriage counseling. 

However, don’t give up on improving your relationship if you can’t afford couples counseling right now. There are some steps you can take and available resources to help you reconnect with your partner. So, here is what you can do. 

1. Check whether Your Health Insurance Covers Marriage Counseling 

Health insurance companies rarely cover marriage counseling expenses, but it might be helpful checking just in case. So, inquire with your or your partner’s insurance company about what counseling services your insurance plan covers.

2. Inquire about Employee Assistance Program and Whether It Could Cover Marriage Counseling

Many employers offer the employee assistance program (EAP) to their employees, spouses, partners, and family members. So, make sure to find out with your human resources department whether your company offers the EAP. Employee assistance programs help employees address their emotional distress, relationship issues, and mental health challenges.

In addition, such programs provide employees with short-term couples counseling so that you would have three to six sessions with a qualified mental health professional free of charge. 

Although the number of couples counseling sessions is limited, the EAP can help you and your partner accept your differences, learn how to communicate better, and improve your relationship. 

3. Think About Your Priorities

When we need a new TV or fridge, we buy one without giving it much thought. When things we use in our day-to-day lives get broken, we pay to fix them or get new ones. But what happens when your marriage is broken? Why investing in your relationship is so different than investing in a new TV? Think about your priorities for a moment and see where your relationship sits on that list.  

Many couples avoid marriage counseling because they think it is too expensive for them. However, if you are willing to give up some things in your life (e.g., eating out, playing golf, etc.) to save money for couples counseling, you are putting your relationship high on your priority list.

So, reevaluate your list of priorities and see what you can do to manage your budget and afford marriage counseling. 

4. Find Other Resources

Reach out to mental health clinics around you that may offer sliding scale fees or reach out for therapist intents who are still undergoing clinical training and charge much less.

If you still cannot afford Wake Forest counseling, consider some self-help strategies and affordable resources such as books or workshops.

For example, you can read self-help books together with your partner. “Hold me Tight” by Sue Johnson is an amazing one. In this book, the author presents Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

EFT has proven to be couples therapy with the highest rate of success. The core idea of EFT is that love relationships are a type of attachment bond, so the way to save and improve a relationship is to reestablish a safe emotional connection. 

You can also read “The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work” based on Dr. John Gottman’s relationship research. The book describes the most well-researched strategies for strengthening relationships, so reading it with your partner can benefit your relationship.

Also, you and your partner can buy an EFT workbook and complete the exercises together. I highly recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/Emotionally-Focused-Workbook-Couples-Two/dp/041574248X/ref=asc_df_041574248X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312734536225&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9576666067183650159&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009718&hvtargid=pla-433988416226&psc=1

This workbook can enhance your relationship, whether you want to address the relationship distress or improve your emotional connection. 

Try A Workshop or Couples Retreat

If traditional counseling isn’t available to you due to its cost, consider attending couples workshop or retreat together, such as a Hold me Tight workshop.

Couples workshops are less intensive and expensive than regular marriage counseling Raleigh, NC, so you may be willing to try a two- or three-day couples retreat. 

Couples retreats (also known as couples intensives) are based on EFT, helping couples learn researched-based strategies and skills for effective communication and lasting connection. Marriage counseling retreats are an excellent opportunity to learn about yourself and your partner, accept your differences and learn how to bond again. 

Summary

If couples counseling is not available to you and your partner due to finances, there are other strategies you can explore to save and enhance your relationship. 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your free 15 min phone consultation in my Wake Forest or virtual office, you can do so here by clicking here https://www.irinabaechlecounselingllc.com/book-a-consult