Couples Counseling ??

[Dumbledork]

DH is set to deploy soonish. We want to do some counseling now just to get ourselves on the best ground possible before he goes. Plus, I'll admit, we have some issues we just can't seem to solve ourselves.

I remember reading the thread a few weeks ago about how easy it is to set-up counseling for just one person, is it just as easy for couples? Do we need to let his COs know? Will H be allowed to do it during work hours or will we have to schedule for after hours/weekends?

DH thinks that if we go through Army counselors, they'll report everything back to his chain of command. Is this true? He wants to try to get referred off-post to avoid it.

TIA!

[Dumbledork]

Sweet. Thanks!

[Dumbledork]

Is there a limit on amount of sessions we can get?

[Dumbledork]

Word. I'm OOT right now, but I'm going to call when I get home. Thanks.

[basilosaurus]

Yep, they've upped it to 12. They'll refer you to an off-base provider.

FWIW, I don't think marital counseling is looked down upon, even if it's found out. They're not going to report everything automatically, they probably wouldn't say anything at all. But, yes, it's not as private as going to a civilian provider.

[bigmamma]

Sorry if any of this is a repeat.

Go through Army Family Team Building - its worth promotion points for him and will cover most of the stuff you are interested in. You can also use the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program (both of you) to identify how you communicate, what types of challenges that brings and its all on line.

Military one source also offers counseling. You can also contact Army One Source
877-811-ARMY

He is 100% wrong about the reporting back... unless of course he makes statements about harming himself or others. Counselors are held my confidentiality/privacy restrictions except in cases of mandated reporting (sexual assault, domestic/child abuse, statements of self harm)

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
csf.army.mil/
(look at the little yellow bar with "Family GAT" in blue)

My Army One Source has a ton of online courses you can take
www.myarmyonesource.com

Finally, the Master Resilience Courses are another GREAT tool for Army Families.
www.resilience.army.mil/

You can get on site training through ACS on post or go through some online modules.

[letsbeawkward]

Big mamma, is Army family team building the same thing as strong bonds or is that a seperate thing?

[bigmamma]

Different :-)

AFTB is usually offered on post through ACS, it is a 34 class curriculum with three levels of training. For Jr Soldiers the classes count for promotion points (they DID anyway, that may have changed recently).

Strong Bonds www.strongbonds.org is a retreat where you do relationship building activities (depending on your relationship). It is all expense paid and they have different types, singles, premarital (PICK - PREMARITAL INTERPERSONAL CHOICES AND KNOWLEDGE. (P.I.C.K.) PROGRAM), couples and families. After the relationship activities/training for the day you get to enjoy time off with your loved one or with the other classmates (singles).

They are both GREAT programs, but they take different approaches. I am a big pusher for Resilience training. I believe that a proactive and preemptive posture is the best approach. HOWEVER, if a family/couple is having issues couples counseling is a better option so you can work through issues with a pro.

[letsbeawkward]

Thanks for the info! We have been trying to catch a strong bonds session. Hopefully soon.

[bigmamma]

If you check out the website they usually have an up to date schedule, the Chaplain also has the info. I believe you have to choose one within 400 miles of your home/home station.