5 Benefits and Reasons of Marriage Counseling Before Divorce

In a certain survey, marriage counseling statistics showed that less than 50% of couples had attended some form of therapy for relationship support, probably because not many people are aware of the benefits of marriage counseling before divorce. 

In fact, it is important to undergo marriage counseling when you want a divorce.

There are usually two kinds of couples to go through the process of divorce counseling. The first couple has a mutual understanding of the problem and gladly seeks therapy. This is the opposite of seeking marriage counseling when one spouse wants a divorce.

The other couple is what therapists call a mixed-agenda which means that one of the partners refuses to go for counseling. They might not accept the other partner’s idea of divorce, or the idea of counseling, or simply don’t think that counseling before a divorce will give them any benefits.

Depending on this factor, reasons of marriage counseling before divorce can vary but the end result will most likely be the same – reaching a common ground to solve existing issues.

But, the question is do marriage counselors ever suggest divorce? If you still can’t decide whether you should seek marriage counseling before the divorce, here are five reasons to do it and to find the answer to the question, “Will a marriage counselor suggest divorce or help restore the broken relationship?”

What is divorce counseling?

Divorce counseling is a form of therapy designed to help individuals and couples navigate the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. The process involves meeting with a trained counselor who can provide support, guidance, and a safe space to process difficult emotions. 

The aim of divorce counseling is to help individuals and couples cope with the stress and upheaval of divorce, manage conflict, communicate effectively, and ultimately move forward in a healthy and positive way.

Related Reading: Divorce Counseling: How a Divorce Counselor Can Help

Is marriage counseling required before getting a divorce?

In most cases, marriage counseling is not legally required before getting a divorce, but it can be beneficial in certain situations. 

Many couples choose to attend counseling as a last-ditch effort to save their marriage before pursuing a divorce. In some states, attending counseling may be required before a divorce is granted, particularly if there are children involved. 

However, in most cases, it is up to the couple to decide whether or not to seek counseling before ending their marriage.

Top 5 benefits of marriage counseling before divorce

Marriage counseling can help couples resolve issues and improve their relationship before considering divorce. Here are the top 5 benefits of seeking counseling before ending a marriage.

1. You will be sure whether you need a divorce or not

One of the prime reasons of marriage counseling before divorce is that it helps you clear your head.

Grappling with the dilemma of opting for divorce or marriage counseling before divorce? The benefits of marriage counseling cannot be ignored and hence mandatory counseling before divorce is the only way to figure out what will work best for the estranged couple.

A lot of couples go to therapy or counseling to help them repair their damaged marriage, but end up divorcing. Someone would say that the therapy didn’t work, but it’s actually the opposite of that. 

In many cases, the partners are trying to fix their relationship and what they should really do is get a divorce. 

Partners don’t realize that some bonds were not meant to be fixed, and some people don’t function the same when they are single compared to in a marriage.

You might be wondering, ‘Can marriage counseling save a marriage?’, ‘is marriage counseling helpful?’, or, ‘What are the benefits of marriage counseling?’ and ‘Will a marriage counselor suggest divorce?’

When you go for counseling before a divorce, a good marriage counselor will show you how to fix your marriage, and if he or she realizes that a divorce is a better option for both partners, then he or she will tell you exactly that.

Marriage counseling benefits are numerous and when you want a divorce, such counseling before a divorce can be a powerful tool to restore the precarious ties of the marriage and to understand if it really is the right decision to call it quits. 

In fact, as renowned Relationship Therapist, Mary Kay Cocharo says, both pre and post-marriage counseling are also important for the relationship. Watch this video to see her talk about the same:

2. You will learn how to communicate and understand your partner

Methods that are used in therapy are most often based on communication. Divorce counseling for couples will help them learn how to talk to and understand their partner. Learn his or her needs, wishes, emotions, and issues.

Such are the benefits of marriage counseling. Most couples coping with problems that can’t be resolved by themselves lack communication, so basically learning how to talk to each other resolves marriage problems and then the divorce is no longer needed. 

Communication is the main pivot of mandatory counseling before divorce for couples.

3. You will secure a better future for your children

Is couples therapy or marriage counseling before divorce helpful? Yes, because marriage counseling and divorce are intricately connected matters.

One of the main benefits of marriage counseling before divorce is that it will help you build better marriage communication. Managing a partner’s communication will resolve another problem, kids. Kids suffer the most in every dysfunctional family.

When parents argue, children absorb their behavior and make it their own, which will cause serious problems for them in life as adults.

Learning how to communicate peacefully will help the children grow up as healthy individuals. It will also foster healthy communication styles within the children themselves that they will benefit from in future relationships.

4. You will save money

A practical one among the benefits and reasons of marriage counseling before divorce is that it is a financially sound decision.

Yes, counseling before a divorce will cost you some, but if you put it into perspective, you will see that counseling saves you money in the long run. How? 

Well, resolving problems in a marriage and not dealing with divorce later is definitely going to save you money since divorce is much more expensive than marriage therapy.

Also, getting help, in the beginning, can be more effective for your health and you will get back on track very fast. Waiting and not receiving therapy will lead to more problems that will need more counseling hours, later on, more complex methods, and thus, spending more money.

So, if you are stuck between divorce or counseling, it is advisable to go for the latter, since the benefits of marriage counseling are immeasurable. ‘Can marriage counseling save a marriage?’ Well! The answer is right in front of you.

Related Reading: Saving Money for Your Marriage: 5 practical Tips to Cut Wedding Costs

5. You will likely be happier

All couples who were living with their partner before getting married know that it’s an unwritten rule that marriage changes things. 

Somehow, we get used to the everyday boring routines, we lose friends one by one, and no matter how much we love our significant other, we fall into a mood that is almost depressing.

Talking to a therapist in divorce marriage counseling will remind us how we used to be full of life, and he or she will help us find that joy and happiness in marriage once again. 

Living with a life partner doesn’t mean there is no more fun, and a good therapist will show you exactly that.

Are there any disadvantages of marriage counseling?

While marriage counseling can be incredibly beneficial for couples, there can be some potential disadvantages to consider while going for marriage counseling before divorce. One disadvantage is that counseling can be expensive, and may not be covered by insurance. 

Additionally, counseling requires time and commitment from both partners, and it can be challenging to fit regular sessions into busy schedules. Some couples may also find that counseling brings up painful emotions or unresolved issues that can be difficult to address. 

Also, in some cases, counseling may not be effective in saving a troubled marriage and can lead to a painful and difficult decision to end the relationship.

5 important reasons to seek marriage counseling before divorce

Here are 5 important reasons why couples should consider seeking marriage counseling before pursuing divorce:

• Counseling provides a safe space for couples to communicate effectively, learn to listen to each other and improve their communication skills.
• Couples can learn how to manage conflict and disagreements in a healthy way, avoiding destructive behaviors such as criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
• Counseling offers emotional support for couples going through difficult times, helping them to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Counseling can help couples reconnect and improve their physical and emotional intimacy.
• Counseling can also help parents minimize the negative impact of divorce on their children, ensuring that they have a positive co-parenting relationship even after the divorce.

In case you wonder, here are some of the aspects a therapy helps out a couple with:

Some more relevant questions

If you are considering marriage counseling before pursuing a divorce, you likely have many questions. In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions about marriage counseling and explore how it can benefit couples who are struggling in their relationship.

• What does a woman get after a divorce?

What a woman gets after a divorce depends on several factors, including the laws in her state, the terms of the divorce settlement, and the assets and debts accumulated during the marriage. 

Typically, a woman can receive a portion of the marital assets, including property, investments, and retirement accounts, as well as child support and spousal support if applicable. However, the specific amount and type of support will depend on the individual circumstances of the divorce.

• Is there counseling before divorce?

As we discussed above in the article, couples can seek proper marriage counseling before divorce. In fact, many therapists and counselors encourage couples to try counseling as a way to save their marriage and avoid divorce if they are willing to. 

Counseling can help couples address issues that are causing conflict in the relationship, such as communication problems, infidelity, or financial stress. 

The goal of counseling is to help couples improve their relationship and find a way forward, whether that involves staying together or deciding to pursue a divorce in a healthy and positive way.

Unfold the many benefits of marriage counseling 

Seeking marriage counseling can have many benefits for couples who are struggling with their relationship or considering divorce. Counseling provides a safe space for couples to communicate effectively, manage conflict, and work through difficult emotions. 

It can also help improve physical and emotional intimacy, as well as provide emotional support during difficult times. By seeking counseling, couples can gain a better understanding of themselves and each other, and learn how to navigate the challenges of marriage in a healthy and positive way. 

Ultimately, counseling can help couples make informed decisions about the future of their relationship, whether that means staying together or pursuing divorce in a respectful and constructive manner.

Marriage.com Assessment

Relationship Test: What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now?

If your relationship feels off balance, if communication feels harder, connection weaker, or tension more frequent, this assessment can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Grounded in relationship psychology and evidence-...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Nov 14, 2025

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

We connect more through affection than through deep talks.

We often see things differently about goals or priorities.

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Expert Q&A

Can I force my alcoholic husband to go to therapy?

Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Expert Answer

A person who is addicted to alcohol will likely need treatment to change. If alcohol misuse is taking a negative toll on your marriage, you have every right to tell your husband he needs to go to therapy. You need to set strong boundaries around this, which may include asking him to leave the house if he doesn't seek treatment. This may sound harsh, but it's easy to enable alcohol abuse, and the worst thing you can do is to continue to let him live his life as a married man with a doting wife, with no consequences for his actions.

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Draven Porter Author

Draven Porter is an esteemed relationship writer who delves deep into the complexities of human connection. With a background in psychology, Draven’s writing is known for its powerful insights and thoughtful analysis. When not... Read more writing, Draven can be found exploring his passion for music and attending concerts. Draven’s unique perspective on relationships is rooted in his fascination with different cultures and he enjoys immersing himself in new experiences through travel and trying out exotic cuisines. Read less