What’s the Difference Between Marriage Coaching and Marriage Counseling?

It’s a question we hear all the time—and it’s a good one. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

Marriage Coaching is all about forward movement. It’s for couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or frustrated—and are ready to make real change. Coaching isn’t about digging through your past. It’s about understanding what’s happening right now in your marriage, identifying where you want to be, and building the tools to help you get there.

Think of us as your guides—pointing you to Jesus, equipping you with practical skills, and helping you see your marriage through a new lens. You won’t get a list of things to fix. Instead, we help you uncover what’s really going on and walk with you as you grow in emotional and spiritual closeness.

Coaching is active. It’s hope-filled. It’s about doing the work and seeing real progress.

Marriage Counseling, on the other hand, often focuses on healing deep wounds from the past. It’s a better fit when there’s trauma, untreated mental health challenges, or patterns that need specialized care. Counseling leans into the emotional roots and history of your story in an effort to bring healing.

Here’s how we like to say it:

Counseling helps you heal. Coaching helps you grow.

If you’re ready to build a marriage that feels like coming home to your best friend again—with Jesus at the center—we’re here to help you take that next step.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

To foster deeper connections and reflections, here are some conversation starters for you and your spouse:

1. What areas of our marriage feel like they’ve grown quiet, distant, or confusing—and what do you wish felt different?
2. Do you feel like we have the tools we need to communicate well, resolve conflict, and stay emotionally connected?
3. Where do you see us struggling to move forward, even though we keep trying?
4. What kind of support do you think would help us grow closer to each other and to God right now?
5. If we could experience one big breakthrough in our relationship, what would it be—and what’s been holding us back from it?
6. What would it look like for us to take a step toward getting support—like scheduling a Discovery Session with Growing In Marriage?

HELPFUL RESOURCE

Learn more about Marriage Coaching with Growing In Marriage
Growing In Marriage Podcast: 208 What Coaching Has Taught Us