Christian Couples Therapy in Columbus: Strengthening Bonds

“The two shall become one flesh” MK 10:8. Marriage is a sacred bond, a divine union ordained by God. However, this ideal can be hard to live up to when your spouse changes the thermostat for the tenth time that day, constantly leaves the toilet seat up, and has a “to-do list” that is more like a “mild-suggestion list”.

Ultimately, Marriage is the coming together of two imperfect human beings, and even the most devout Christian couples can encounter challenges that test their relationship. Christian Couples therapy at Lumin Counseling in Columbus offers a faith-based approach to healing and strengthening marital bonds, aligning therapeutic practices with Scriptural principles.

Common Challenges in Christian Marriages:

Communication Breakdown

• Misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts can lead to a breakdown in communication.
• Emotional distance and feelings of isolation often result from poor communication.

Loss of Trust

• Infidelity or dishonesty can severely damage the foundation of trust.
• Over time, small breaches of trust can accumulate, leading to a significant rift that Christian couples can address with therapy in the Columbus area.

Financial Stress

• Disagreements over financial decisions can create tension.
• Economic pressures can exacerbate existing conflicts and lead to arguments.

Parenting Disagreements

• Differences in parenting styles or disciplinary approaches can cause friction.
• Stress-related to child-rearing can strain the marital relationship.

Intimacy Issues

• Physical intimacy can decline due to stress, health issues, or emotional distance.
• Differing sexual desires and expectations can lead to frustration and conflict.

Work-Life Balance

• Demanding work schedules can leave little time for each other.
• The struggle to balance career and family responsibilities can create stress.

Unrealistic Expectations

• Holding unrealistic expectations about marriage can lead to disappointment.
• Expecting a spouse to fulfill all emotional needs can place undue pressure on the relationship.

Misaligned Priorities

• When personal ambitions or career goals overshadow marital priorities, it can cause friction.
• Couples may struggle to balance their responsibilities, leading to neglect of the relationship.

Unresolved Past Issues

• Previous unresolved conflicts can resurface, causing ongoing strife.
• Lingering resentment can hinder emotional intimacy and connection for Christian couples in Columbus.

External Pressures

• Family expectations and societal norms can add stress and the need for therapy
• Balancing church responsibilities and personal time may create additional strain.

Scriptural Principles to Help with These Challenges:

Patience and Love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

These verses highlight the characteristics of love that are essential for a healthy and enduring marriage that can benefit from therapy

Communication and Understanding:

James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Effective communication and active listening are vital for resolving conflicts and building a strong relationship for Christian couples who live in or near Columbus

Forgiveness and Grace:

Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness and extending grace help in healing for Christian couples and maintaining harmony in a marriage.

Unity and Oneness:

Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

The concept of unity and becoming one emphasizes the deep bond and partnership that marriage entails.

Shared Responsibilities and Servanthood:

Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

This principle encourages couples to serve one another selflessly and share responsibilities.

Healing Process of Christian Couples Therapy in Columbus:

Building Effective Communication

• • Teaches active listening and empathetic communication.
  • Provides tools for expressing feelings and needs constructively.

Restoring Trust

• • Guides Christian couples through forgiveness and reconciliation processes.
  • Establishes transparent and honest communication patterns.

Developing Intimacy and Affection

• • Increases positive responses to bids for attention.
  • Share in an emotionally vulnerable way.

Prayer and Scripture Study

• • Incorporating prayer into therapy sessions fosters spiritual connection.
  • Scripture study offers divine insights and guidance for marital issues.

Values Alignment

• • Encourages couples to realign their relationship with core Christian values.
  • Focuses on mutual respect, love, and commitment as outlined in the Bible.

Conflict Resolution Techniques

• • Provides strategies for resolving disagreements peacefully.
  • Emphasizes the importance of compromise and understanding.

Making Life Dreams Come True:

• • Partners support each other’s dreams and aspirations, fostering a sense of shared purpose and meaning in the relationship.

Creating Shared Meaning:

• • Couples create rituals of connection, shared goals, and mutual support for each other’s roles and dreams, establishing a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life together.

Investing in Your Marriage

Christian couples therapy is an investment in your relationship’s future. By addressing challenges through a faith-based lens, couples who agree to therapy can experience profound healing and growth. The commitment to align your marriage with God’s will can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious partnership.

The Path Forward

Seek Professional Guidance

• • Reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation!
  • Ensure the therapist aligns with your faith and values.

Commit to the Process

• • Attend sessions regularly and actively participate in exercises.
  • Be open to change and willing to put in the effort required.
  • Ask questions about anything that might be unclear.

Pray Together/Rely on God

• • Make prayer a regular part of your routine.
  • Seek God’s guidance and support in strengthening your marriage.

Conclusion

Christian Couples therapy in Columbus offers a unique and powerful approach to marital counseling. By integrating faith and therapeutic practices, couples can overcome challenges and build a resilient, God-centered relationship. With commitment and faith, your marriage can flourish, reflecting the divine love that brought you together.