Does anyone know anything about marriage guidance?

[mum2oliver]

Has anyone had help and if so how much did you pay and whats youe=r thoughts on it?

I haven't personally had marriage guidance. However, my partner, who was married to someone else for quite a long time, tried marriage guidance. In his/their case it was basically to conclude that there was nothing doing and divorce was imminent, but it helped him in the (long, protracted) grieving and guilt for his failed marriage and he is quite over it today and we are very happy and not haunted by his past.

I have, however, quite a few friends who have done marriage guidance, including one who in six sessions completely turned her relationship round.

Personally, I think it is excellent to seek outside help for relationship problems and I would do so if I had a problem I didn't know how to tackle with my partner.

We had a difficult time about two years ago and had three counselling sessions. Work paid for it! It really helped and mainly reminded us of what we had and helped us respect each other again and treat each other properly. It saved a downward spiral. It was tough and made you question your own faults - but neither of us was going to let our marriage go without fighting to improve it first (15 years together so far!!).

Cornflake,Where can I find out about it?
Do you have any idea of the cost?

If you were up for just doing something yourself as oppsoed to going for help, you could have a look at Care for the Family's excellent DVD and workbook set, 21st Century Marriage

careforthefamily.org.uk

we used relate. They ask for a donation of £25 per session but whatever you can afford.

We had a rough time for a while after my son was born. We saw a Relate counsellor for about 4 months. They asked for a donation of £26 per session (you could negotiate the fee with the counsellor based on your earnings etc). It was very helpful to us.