The Essential Guide to Christian couples counseling for a couple in crisis

The Essential Guide to Christian Couples Counseling


To the Couple in Crisis:

You’re a Christian couple in crisis and you’ve found yourselves drowning in a sea of hurt, silence, and broken trust. Questions like, “How did we get here?, Is there even hope for us anymore?, Will Christian couples counseling even work for us?” echoes in your hearts, leaving you feeling alone, overwhelmed, and desperate for a lifeline.

You get stuck wondering things like, “Can we ever rebuild the trust we’ve lost?” or “Is it possible for us to restore the love we once had? ”

When you’re unsure what to do, it feels impossible to move forward. Every conversation seems to deepen the pain, every attempt to fix things feels like it’s not enough, and the distance between you grows heavier with each passing day.

But here’s the good news: healing is possible. Through Christian couples counseling and a commitment to restoring your marriage through faith, you can turn even the deepest pain into a foundation for a stronger, more unshakable relationship.

In this post, I’ll unpack what faith-based marriage counseling really means and share 3 powerful steps to start your path to restoring your marriage. This is your roadmap to renewed trust, rekindled love, and the Christ-centered marriage you’ve been longing for. Healing starts here.


couple in crisis

What is the most healing approach for Christian Couples Counseling?

Christian couples counseling is a lifeline for you, a couple in crisis, who feels lost, hurt, and disconnected. It’s a safe space to address the pain, rebuild trust, and rediscover love through biblical wisdom and professional guidance.

In other words, this is where healing begins. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about inviting God into your marriage to create something stronger and more beautiful than you ever thought possible.

The added benefit is that it doesn’t just save your marriage—it strengthens your faith, renews your hope, and gives you and your spouse the tools to face anything together with unshakable love.



Christian couple in counseling session

Component #1 - Building the Foundation for Healing

The foundation of Christian couples counseling is creating a safe, grace-filled space where both of you can share your struggles honestly and let God’s love work in the places that feel most broken.

This is so important because without trust and vulnerability, it’s impossible to move forward. I get it—right now, it feels like there’s this wall between you. Maybe you’re afraid to say what you’re really feeling because it might hurt them, or worse, make things worse. You want to fix your marriage, but you feel stuck, like you don’t even know where to begin.

And then what happens? You both keep holding back, and that distance between you grows. It feels heavier, lonelier, and you start to wonder if healing is even possible.

But it is possible. The key to rebuilding trust and rediscovering connection is to take one small, brave step forward.

Start here: find a quiet moment together, hold hands, and pray. Even if it feels awkward or you don’t know what to say, simply ask God to meet you where you are—to bring clarity, courage, and compassion. That prayer might be small, but it’s powerful. It’s the first step toward breaking down those walls and letting His grace lead the way.


Christian couples counseling

Component #2 - Inviting God Into Your Healing

You’ve been trying so hard—reading books, having those late-night conversations, doing the little things to make it better. But if you’re honest, it still feels like something is missing. Maybe it’s like you’re spinning your wheels, putting in all this effort, but not seeing the breakthroughs you’re longing for. I know how exhausting that can be.

Here’s the thing: it’s not all on your shoulders. You don’t have to carry this weight alone. Real healing begins when you invite God into the process—when you stop trying to fix everything yourself and allow Him to work in ways you can’t on your own.


What can you do?

Start with something simple yet powerful: praying together as a couple.

I know, this can feel awkward or even intimidating if you’re not used to it. But trust me, this isn’t about perfect words—it’s about coming before God together, as you are, and letting Him meet you in your brokenness.

Find a quiet moment when you won’t be interrupted. Take your spouse’s hand, even if it feels hard right now, and start small. Share one thing that’s been weighing on your heart—something you’re struggling with in your marriage. Then, together, bring it to God in prayer. Ask Him to guide you, to soften your hearts, and to remind you that you’re not alone in this fight for your marriage.

This isn’t just a prayer; it’s an act of surrender. It’s saying, “Lord, we can’t do this without You.” And that’s when everything begins to change. Because when God is at the center, the healing and breakthroughs you’ve been longing for can finally start to take root. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to take this first step.


Christian couple praying together

Component #3 - Rebuilding Connection Through Real Communication

Let’s be honest—talking to each other hasn’t been easy lately, has it? Maybe you’ve tried to share how you feel, but it always seems to turn into another argument or a wall of silence. Or maybe you’ve stopped trying altogether because it feels like you’re not being heard.

I know how painful and lonely that can be because I’ve seen it so many times. Couples who start with so much love and hope can find themselves lost, feeling like strangers under the same roof. I’ve walked alongside people who feel like they’re shouting into the void or burying their pain to avoid one more fight. That ache of feeling disconnected from the person you love most is heartbreaking—and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping couples rebuild.

But here’s the thing: real communication is the bridge back to each other. It’s not just about words; it’s about creating a space where both of you can feel seen, understood, and safe. That’s where healing happens—when you can finally let your guard down and trust that you’re on the same team again.

Of course, this won’t happen overnight. It takes time to rebuild the trust and emotional safety that makes honest communication possible. But you don’t have to figure it out all at once—there’s a way to ease into this gently.


Christian couple rebuilding trust and intimacy

Here’s how you can start:

Begin with prayer. Before you even sit down to talk, take a moment together to pray. Ask God to guide your words, calm your hearts, and help you truly hear each other. Even if you feel awkward at first, this simple act invites Him into your conversation.

Listen like it’s the first time. When your spouse speaks, try to set aside your defenses and just listen. Don’t think about how you’ll respond—focus on what they’re saying and what they might be feeling underneath the words. Then reflect back: “What I hear you saying is…” It shows them you care enough to understand.

Speak with love, even when it’s hard. Use “I” statements to share your feelings without blaming or accusing. For example, “I feel hurt when…” instead of “You never…” It’s not about winning an argument—it’s about rebuilding the connection between you.

Then, when the conversation is winding down, take a moment to express gratitude. It doesn’t have to be big or perfect—just something like, “I really appreciate that you were open with me tonight.” It’s those little moments of grace that start to mend the cracks.

This isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s about creating a new way of being with each other. And when you take these small steps consistently, you’ll start to feel that connection returning—the love, the trust, and the peace you’ve been longing for. You’re not just talking; you’re building something sacred together again.


couple having a talk on the beach

Bringing It All Together: A Faithful Roadmap for Christian Couples Counseling

There you have it—the roadmap to begin transforming your marriage through Christian couples counseling.

I know this might feel overwhelming right now. You’ve already been through so much, and the idea of starting something new can feel like just one more thing on your plate. But this isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about taking one small, meaningful step at a time.

Start here: take a moment to pray together, even if it’s short and simple. Ask God to meet you where you are and begin guiding you toward the healing you’ve been longing for. That one step can open the door to rebuilding trust, strengthening your bond, and finding peace in your relationship again.

What’s next?…Download the Couples Prayer Starter Guide Here
If you’re not sure where to begin, my Couples Prayer Starter Guide will walk you through simple, heartfelt prayers to reconnect with God and your spouse. It’s designed to help you invite God into your journey and take the first steps toward healing and hope.



(Disclaimer: I am licensed to provide therapy and counseling services in the States of Alabama and Tennessee. This blog post does not replace professional help from a mental health provider and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. The information on this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship and I will not be held liable for any damages or losses caused by using the tips and actions shared on this blog. If your situation calls for medical attention or therapeutic intervention, seek the advice of a Licensed Physician or licensed mental health providers in good standing in your local area. Call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room if you are in a life threatening or emergent situation. Also, this information is not for those in abusive situations or dealing with someone engaged in criminal acts. If that has happened in your situation, call the authorities and create a safety and exit plan. You don’t have to stay in an unsafe or dangerous situation).


Rhonda Marie Stalb LMFT

Hi There! I’m Rhonda! Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Relational Strategist. I help married Christian Couples recover from betrayal trauma so they can live in the marriage of their dreams.

https://www.rhondamariestalblmft.com
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