Individual + Marriage Counseling

As a new WAF, I struggled with feelings of being overwhelmed, from moving to a new state, starting a new job, being recently married, to just missing home…it sometimes can be hard to be willing to accept help from others.

After we had first moved, my husband + I attended a Newcomer’s meeting on-base. During it, the Airman & Family Readiness Center sent a staff member from Military & Family Life Consultants to discuss how they staff professional counselors + offer sessions to military personnel + families. She discussed how you can meet with them about anything, whether it be work/life balance, relationship issues, feeling overwhelmed, etc. I kept this information in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t until a few weeks later (thanks to my husband’s encouragement!) we set up our first meeting with a professional counselor. It’s important to note that these counselors are contracted as a third-party – meaning you’ll never have to worry about them being military personnel + risk seeing them on base later.

The process to set up a meeting is super quick + efficient. You call the number for the assigned counselors at your base + set up a meeting date/time that works for you both. We met at the on-base lodge because they aren’t allowed to meet you at your house + had our session in one of the conference rooms there. I personally wanted + felt more comfortable having my husband there with me during the sessions. However, the counselors are available to see you individually as well. What you discuss at the session is completely confidential, with exceptions that they will go over with you (e.g., abuse, self-harm). The best part… it’s completely free! Keep in mind: a normal counseling session usually cost $100-150 out of pocket!

Additionally, our counselor made us aware that the Relationship Center offers multiple marriage workshops + retreats throughout the year, completely free to military couples through a scholarship. My husband + I attended one of these conferences that was hosted at a local hotel. Each couple received a free hotel room for Friday + Saturday nights as well as breakfast for both Saturday + Sunday. It was such a refreshing + helpful experience! Couples there ranged from all ages + backgrounds + everyone we encountered had positive reviews about the overall experience + event. If you’re not able to attend one of these, they also hold various on-base workshops throughout the year!

Personally, attending counseling sessions + going to the marriage workshop helped me + my marriage more than words can say. It provided my husband + I a place where we could openly share our thoughts, concerns + feelings. Using the Military & Family Life Consultants, allowed me to transition more easily into the military lifestyle. Our counselor helped me realize that the feelings I was experiencing were not “wrong”, but were actually normal for the stage + changes of my life I was going through. I know our culture + social media portray that we should be able to handle all life’s curveballs independently + always look “put together”, but this experience taught me that we also need to learn how to accept help + resources that are available to us!