Couple sitting in therapy session learning the truth about marriage counseling myths—take the first step toward real clarity and reconnection. Schedule consultation today! Call 210.818.5795

       Summary Highlights:

  • Many couples avoid therapy due to false assumptions about what it really involves.
  • Common marriage counseling myths include fear of blame, failure, or being told to separate.
  • Real counseling is proactive, practical, and focused on rebuilding connection.
  • With the right therapist, marriage counseling is a strategic move—not a last resort.

What Are the Most Harmful Marriage Counseling Myths?

Let me guess—you’ve heard a version of this before:

“We don’t need therapy… we’re not that bad.”

Or maybe:

“I’m not going to sit in a room and be blamed for everything.”

These are just a couple of the marriage counseling myths I hear every week at Randel Porter Counseling. And sadly, they keep a lot of couples from getting the support that could save their relationship.

Let’s break them down—because once you know the truth, getting help doesn’t feel like giving up. It feels like getting ahead.

Is Marriage Counseling Only for Couples on the Verge of Divorce?

Absolutely not.

One of the biggest myths about marriage counseling is that it’s only for “failing” relationships. In reality, the smartest couples get help early—before things reach a breaking point.

Think of it like this: you don’t wait until your car dies to get an oil change. You maintain it so it lasts. Same with your relationship.

Will the Therapist Take Sides or Assign Blame?

That’s not how this works—not if you’re working with the right therapist.

At Randel Porter Counseling, I don’t play referee or let the session turn into a courtroom. My goal isn’t to figure out who’s right or wrong—it’s to help you both understand the thinking patterns that are tripping you up and show you how to rewire them for real progress.

You’ll get tools. You’ll get clarity. But you won’t get judged.

Does Counseling Mean We’re Headed for Separation?

Another common misconception? That going to therapy means the relationship is already over.

Actually, it’s the opposite.

Taking action through counseling shows that you care enough to work through the tension instead of ignoring it. It’s a decision to reset, not walk away.

Couples who wait until they’re emotionally detached? They struggle more. The ones who come in while there’s still connection—even if it’s buried under stress—see real results faster.

Is Marriage Counseling Just an Endless Cycle of Talking?

This is one of my personal favorites to debunk.

No, marriage counseling is not just about sitting in a room rehashing arguments with someone nodding across from you. At least, not with me.

My approach skips the fluff. It’s focused, structured, and rooted in identifying what’s going on beneath the surface—fast. You’ll leave sessions with actual tools, not just “things to think about.”

The truth? Real therapy doesn’t keep you circling. It helps you move forward.

What’s the Truth Couples Really Need to Know?

The truth is this:

Marriage counseling isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a strategy for success.

It’s a chance to:

  • Reconnect without blame
  • Communicate without fighting
  • Understand each other without guessing
  • Break free of patterns that no longer work

And yes—can counseling save marriage after infidelity? In many cases, absolutely. I’ve worked with couples who thought betrayal was the end, only to find that counseling helped them rebuild something more honest and connected than what they had before.

So let’s drop the myths. Let’s normalize smart, intentional relationship support.

At Randel Porter Counseling, I help couples move past the misconceptions and into the real work of rebuilding trust, clarity, and connection.

Call 210.818.5795 today to get started. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit—you just need to be ready to do it differently.

FAQs About Marriage Counseling

If you’re even wondering about it, that’s usually the sign. Counseling isn’t just for couples on the verge of divorce—it’s for anyone who feels stuck, disconnected, or frustrated. If you’re seeing signs like constant tension, avoidance, or feeling more like roommates, it’s time to talk.

Totally common—and not a dealbreaker. I often work with just one person in the relationship at first. Real change can begin with one person shifting how they think, respond, and communicate. And in many cases, once the other partner sees that change, they become more open to joining.

Not here. That outdated model keeps people stuck. My marriage counseling services are direct, structured, and focused on what actually creates change: understanding the thinking patterns that are driving your disconnection.

Yes—but the approach matters. You don’t need to relive every argument to heal. We’ll focus on what’s still working, uncover what’s been misfiring, and retrain the internal habits that keep pulling you off track. You’d be surprised how fast things can shift when the right work is done.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but my style isn’t about dragging things out for months with no movement. Most couples begin to feel relief and clarity within the first few sessions. I aim to get you out of survival mode and into solution mode quickly.

Yes. I provide secure, confidential teletherapy sessions to couples across Texas—including San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and beyond. You don’t need to fight traffic or take time off work to start fixing what matters.

Anything and everything that’s showing up in the relationship:

  • Communication breakdowns
  • Emotional distance
  • Intimacy issues
  • Infidelity
  • Resentment or past hurts
  • Parenting challenges
  • Trust and safety

No topic is off-limits, because the goal is real clarity and real results.

Not necessarily. If you’re still having the conversation, there’s still something there to work with. Many couples come to me on the edge—and leave with a renewed sense of understanding and connection. Counseling can help you get clear on whether to rebuild or part ways respectfully.

No. I don’t play judge or referee. I help both of you see your own patterns clearly and understand each other better. My role is to facilitate clarity, not assign blame. The goal is to make your relationship stronger—not pick a winner.

Easy—just call me. We’ll schedule a session and get to work. No fluff, no “getting to know you” runaround. Just straightforward support to help you reconnect, rebuild, and move forward. Call 210.818.5795 to book your first session.

About Randel Porter – Therapist

Randel Porter is a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist based in San Antonio, Texas (LPC #75830). With a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling, he helps individuals and couples cut through emotional noise and get real results—without the fluff or endless “processing.” Randel specializes in thought-focused therapy that challenges outdated methods and delivers clarity fast. He offers in-person and online counseling across Texas.

Ready to clear the mental clutter and reconnect with what matters? Call 210.818.5795 to schedule a session or visit the contact page.