Divorce rates in Australia are rising, which begs the question – what can be done to help couples stay together? The answer may be closer than one might think – counselling. Counselling is a powerful tool that has helped many struggling couples overcome their marital difficulties and rediscover their love for one another.
In this blog post, I’ll share how different types of counselling have been used to reduce divorce rates nationwide by helping marriages last longer and giving married couples more time and opportunities to strengthen their bonds. I’ll also provide insights into why seeking counsel could make all the difference between throwing in the towel and working it out!
Marriage and divorce statistics in Australia
Marriage and divorce statistics in Australia show a troubling trend – the number of people getting divorced is increasing. According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 43,410 divorces were granted in 2018, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to the previous year. This marks a continuous rise since 2009 when 39,766 divorces were granted.
But these figures don’t tell the whole story – they don’t reveal what can be done to help couples stay together and reduce the divorce rate. The answer may lie in counselling; research has shown that counselling can help couples identify underlying issues and improve their communication skills which can significantly benefit their relationship.
Research by La Trobe University also shows that couples who have sought help from a marriage counsellor are more likely to stay together and less likely to divorce. This is because counselling can allow couples to discuss their feelings, work through conflicts and learn how to communicate better. It also gives both partners a chance to express themselves without judgment or criticism, which can lead to improved understanding between them.
Marriage and Money
Money is a sensitive topic in any marriage, but it can be especially difficult to navigate when it comes to divorce.
The breakdown of finances during and after a separation can cause further tension and stress for both parties. This is why discussing money matters from the start of a marriage is so important; it can help couples agree on how they will manage their financial affairs throughout their relationship.
Financial disagreements are one of the leading causes of marital strife and, ultimately, divorce. According to research by Relationships Australia, 27% of all divorces involve conflicts about money; this figure increases to 40% when dealing with second marriages or remarriages. Clear communication about money is key to avoiding potential issues later.
Couples should be open and honest about their financial situation, expectations, and goals. This can help them create a plan to avoid debt, save money, pay off existing debts, and develop a budget that works for both parties.
They should also consider seeking professional advice from a counsellor specializing in marriage and money issues; this can allow couples to explore their concerns openly without fear of judgment or criticism.
Marriage, celebrations, and age
Marriage is an important milestone in life, often celebrated with loved ones. However, the age at which couples decide to marry has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to research by
The Australia Institute of Family Studies, the average age of first-time brides in 2017 was 30.4 years, while grooms were 32.6 years old. This figure was higher compared to previous decades when couples tended to get married much earlier; for example, in 1981, the average bride was 24.6 while the groom was 26.8.
The rise in people getting married later in their lives can be attributed to various factors, such as increased access to education and career opportunities and a broader acceptance of cohabitation and living together before marriage. Some couples may also view marriage as something to be celebrated and enjoyed in the later stages of life when both parties are more financially stable, emotionally mature, and have met their career goals.
Despite changing attitudes toward when people should marry, it is still important to consider the implications of age on marital success. Research by Griffith University found that couples who marry too early or wait too long are at a higher risk of divorce than those who get married between the ages of 25-29. It suggested that younger couples need more time to establish emotional maturity and financial security before marriage.
Marriage and divorce rates
Divorce rates continue to rise across Australia, with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealing a 1.9% increase in 2018 compared to the previous year. This is concerning news for couples considering marriage, as it suggests that relationships might not last as long as they used to.
Multiple marriages
For some couples, marriage is not a single event but multiple events throughout their lifetimes. This is because multiple marriages are becoming increasingly common in Australia. According to research by The Australia Institute of Family Studies, remarriage accounted for almost one-third of all new marriages in 2011.
Several factors could contribute to this rise in multiple marriages, such as increased life expectancy and improved financial security. With people living longer lives than ever, they may have more time to explore different relationships and even marry again after divorce or the death of a spouse.
People may also decide to remarry due to newfound financial stability; with more disposable income, they better support another partner and any children from the new relationship.
Divorce by state
Divorce rates vary across Australia, with some states having higher divorce rates than others. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018, New South Wales had the highest number of divorces (14,267), followed by Queensland (13,246), Victoria (9,890), and Western Australia (7,109).
Although there are no definitive explanations for why certain states have higher divorce rates than others, it is thought that social and economic factors could be contributing factors. For example, areas with a high cost of living may increase the financial strain on couples, ultimately leading to marriage breakdown. In addition, lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption can also impact marital success; research has found that people who drink excessively are more likely to divorce than those who don’t.
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory has one of the lowest divorce rates in Australia. This could be due to several factors, such as the large percentage of public sector employees who reside in the territory; they may have access to increased financial security, which could lessen marital strife.
Additionally, couples living in Canberra are likely to benefit from a higher education level and income, which can help contribute to stronger marriages.
Despite having low divorce rates overall, there is room for improvement in the ACT. The government should continue investing in relationship support services and initiatives such as counselling and marriage education programs that can help couples stay together longer. Ultimately, this will reduce stress on families and reduce family separations associated with divorce.
Marriage education programs
Marriage education programs provide couples with essential skills and knowledge to help them become better communicators, resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain a healthy relationship. These programs can benefit newlyweds and long-term married couples looking to strengthen their bond or reconnect after dealing with difficult issues such as infidelity or financial strain.
Benefits of Counselling During a Divorce
Divorce is a difficult and emotional experience, often involving guilt or anger. One way to help cope with the situation is through. Counselling during a divorce can provide couples practical tools to manage their emotions and perspective. It allows both partners to gain insight into themselves and each other to understand how their decisions affect the relationship.
Counselling can also help couples better communicate with each other during this time. By talking about their feelings in a safe space, they can discuss topics such as the division of assets, custody arrangements, and financial issues without constantly arguing or fighting. This helps create an environment that encourages understanding and respect while reducing stress levels for both parties.
FAQs
What are the different types of counselling that help reduce divorce rates?
Counselling can take several forms, depending on the needs and situation of the individual or couple. Common types of counselling used to reduce divorce rates include marital therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. Marital therapy helps couples identify and address issues within their marriage while also focusing on strengthening communication and understanding between partners. Couples therapy encourages both parties to express their feelings openly and respectfully to better collaborate on solutions to any difficulties they may be experiencing. Family therapy is also beneficial when dealing with broader issues, such as unresolved conflicts from prior generations or cultural differences impacting a couple’s relationship.
How effective has counselling been in reducing divorce rates?
Counselling can be effective in helping couples stay together. Research has demonstrated that couples receiving counselling are significantly less likely to get divorced than those not seeking professional help. For example, a recent study on the impact of counselling on divorce rates in Australia found that couples who received counselling services were 33% less likely to get divorced than those who did not.
Where can I find a qualified counsellor in Australia?
There are many qualified counsellors available throughout Australia. To find a counsellor near you, it is best to search online or contact your local health department for recommendations. Additionally, many online counselling services are available, allowing couples to receive assistance from the comfort of their home.
What are the benefits of counselling?
Counselling can help couples work through their issues and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another. It also allows husbands and wives to share their worries, fears and struggles constructively to objectively gain insight into their relationship. Additionally, counselling provides couples with strategies to manage conflict more effectively. Ultimately, it increases the likelihood that a marriage will survive long-term by providing married couples with essential tools to strengthen their bond and enhance communication.
Conclusion
Counselling can be an extremely powerful tool that helps couples navigate difficult times in their relationship and increases the likelihood of their marriage lasting longer. It has been proven to positively impact divorce rates in Australia, providing couples with the guidance they need to address any issues. If you or someone you know is having difficulty in their marriage, seeking professional help from a qualified counsellor may be needed to bring back the love and keep your marriage strong.
