Catholic Marriage Counseling - If discussing their marital problems with a priest is unappealing, Catholic couples do have other choices.

Catholics seeking marriage counseling often feel they can t go to their priest. After all, what insight could a priest possibly provide into marital problems? So, where can you start your search for catholic marriage counseling?

Start with your priest. Surprisingly, your priest may be your first stop when you are seeking Catholic-based marriage counseling.

The Church trains priests to provide marriage counseling rooted in the Catholic faith. Even if your parish priest is not specifically trained in marriage counseling, Catholic priests know where to steer couples looking for Catholic marriage counseling.

Your local parish.Every American Catholic diocese requires some form of pre-marriage counseling (also called Pre-Cana). Most of the time, this counseling is not conducted by the parish priest but by couples. Chances are, the couple that conducted your Pre-Cana activities will have plenty of information about catholic marriage counseling.

Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities is a national organization that provides marriage counseling to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Your local chapter will be able to provide information on local therapists providing Catholic marriage counseling.

Your friends and family. Marriage troubles are not necessarily things that people broadcast to all their friends and neighbors. Sometimes, even family isnÕt clued in. So, there might be other couples you know who have gone through some catholic marriage counseling. Discreetly ask around, help may be closer than you think.

Help starts with yourself. Here is a prayer you can say for your own marriage, or for another couple seeking catholic marriage counseling:
God please bless this marriage in warmth and strength. Give these two people guidance, love, and understanding to be the best that they can be. Be with them through the difficult moments and the beautiful ones. Teach them that marriage is a loving process and challenge. Thank you God. Amen.