How to Triage Couples in Crisis - by Ly Tran, LPC-S

“We need to meet with you. Our marriage is not doing well and my spouse just told me they’re done. Can you meet with us today?”

If you haven’t heard this message yet during your time in ministry, it’s only a matter of time. 

What do you say in an hour-long meeting that can undo what took years or even decades of damage to get them to where they are today?  How do you begin to help guide and direct them, especially if your own marriage isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders either?

Some couples reach out for help when they’re on the brink. While others, not quite in crisis, may come looking for guidance and direction on how to address long standing issues in their marriage.  

Sitting with couples in the middle of all of their marital issues can be overwhelming. 

There are so many layers and factors to consider, such as communication issues, family of origin issues, trauma to name a few. 

After doing couples counseling for over 15 years, I’ve learned that almost all couples cases fall into one of four categories.

Once you know what to look out for and what options there are to address each of these categories, you’ll be far more confident and equipped to assess the couple’s situation and offer them the right options to get the help they need. 

What I’ve found is that most of the time, this is what couples truly need. During that first meeting, they’re looking for someone who can help them understand what’s happening to them and assure them that there’s still hope. 

If you think knowing a structure like this could help you in your ministry or even if you’re just curious about your own marriage, then I invite you to join me for this short online workshop.