Many are familiar with the passage of scripture in Mark 10:8 (NIV) that says, “and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”  We hear it often in the recitation of the marriage vows of the loving couple. We may ask how this is possible? What does that mean?  Notice how that statement is repeated in the same verse of scripture. God wanted to make sure we got it. Instead of two entities (individuals), there is now one entity (a married couple) joined together as one body. This newly formed married couple unit now takes precedence over all previous and future relationships.

The preceding verse says, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,” (Mark 10:7). The couple becomes one emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, financially, and in every other way.  Even in the sexual aspect of their relationship, the couple is not to consider their bodies as their own but as belonging to their partner (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).

Sounds wonderful, right? Well, guess what, this wonderful oneness and desire to benefit each other is not automatic for most couples. But there is help for those couples who are struggling with making the transition from being one (individual) to being “one flesh”. How can couples therapy help? Couples therapy with a skilled marriage counselor assists new couples in making the transition from one to “one”. Therapy for couples can also help more experienced couples who are struggling. Couples, who, for whatever reasons, have forgotten what it means to share their lives. Not just their bodies and material possessions, but their thoughts  and dreams, joys and sorrow, sufferings, hopes, fears, ambitions, successes and failures.

Couples therapy can help couples gain insight into their relationship. Gain skills to resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction. And revitalize or strengthen their emotional connection.  Whatever stage of marriage you are in, couples therapy can greatly benefit you.