Marital counseling techniques are divided into two styles: 1. insight-oriented approaches and 2. action-oriented approaches.

Insight-oriented techniques seek to help each of the relationship partners develop a better understanding of him or herself, allowing each partner to gain a better concept of what each brings to the relationship. Traits govern human beings in the form of attitudes, interests, behavior, personality, strengths, weaknesses and limitations, potentials and abilities, underlying emotions, etc. Gaining an insight into these traits not only help partners to understand and learn more about themselves but also realize where conflicts lie and the steps needed to be taken. This greatly reduces the blame-game. Some of the traits that provide an insight into the functioning of each partner are given belowThese traits directly or indirectly greatly influence marital discord and also serve as a means to rectify faulty patterns towards marital enrichment. Emotional Outlay ability to express or withdraw emotions. Emotional intensity extent to which emotions are felt and expressed. Decision making - Use of emotions or logic to make sound decisions. Goals and achievements Ambitious partner vs. under achiever. Self-esteem, self-image and fear of failure. Relationship communication skills and social skills. Sensitivities, insecurities and fears. Attitudes and interests. Mental energy- optimistic vs. pessimistic energy. Life priorities. Emotional and physical abuse.

How each of the above traits affect and influence marital discord will be discussed in detail. Once gained an insight, both partner than can focus on developing skills to allow the relationship to be rebuilt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Marriage counseling includes a very broad range of technical interventions for reduction of marital disharmony. Several psychological counseling theories provide therapeutic measures that focus on marital enrichment.

These include couple, and family therapies. Few are listed below E.g. Individual Therapy - In individual therapy of marital disorders, the therapeutic focus is on the marital relationship and the conflicts with the marital partner. Concurrent couples therapy reduces interpersonal defensiveness and apprehension and promotes self-revelation and introspection in an empathic and therapeutic environment. The advantage of conjoint therapy is that it focuses the therapeutic efforts directly on the couples interactions where the problems manifest. Client-centered therapy, also known as humanistic therapy, emphasizes communication skills. Behavior-oriented therapy helps the couple develop problem-solving skills and improves conflict resolution.

The article also focuses on special issues faced by couples Couples facing Illness Physical Aggression in couples Couples and addiction problems Infidelity Religious and spiritual issues in couples Socio-economic differences in couples Divorcing couples

Rahul B. Vyas Clinical Psychologist & Counselor