Relationship
Qualities to look out for in your marriage counsellor
As you begin your journey of marriage, remember that seeking help from a professional marriage therapist or counsellor can be a valuable asset to your relationship.
I admit there are so many characteristics you would have to consider when choosing your marriage therapist or counsellor. Therefore, I will start by introducing you to the core qualities that your marriage counsellor or therapist must possess:
1. Professional qualifications and credentials
Check the counsellor’s qualifications, such as their educational background, counselling certifications, and any specialised training in marriage counselling (for instance, Counselor Prince & Associates Consult’s ‘Certificate in Counselling and Marriage Therapy,’ which is accredited by Ghana Psychology Council (GPC).
Ensure the therapist or counsellor has appropriate credentials and is licensed or at least certified. For instance, if you are in Ghana, the counsellor must be licensed with the Ghana Psychology Council (GPC).
2. Rapport building and creating a welcoming atmosphere
Your marriage therapist or counsellor should possess the critical skills of building rapport and creating a welcoming environment for you and your partner.
Imagine you and your partner walk into a marriage counsellor’s office for the first time. You are nervous, vulnerable, and unsure about what lies ahead.
It is important that the counsellor you choose understands the value of rapport building and creating a warm and inviting space for you both.
Rapport building is the foundation of any successful counselling relationship. It is all about your counsellor establishing a connection, trust, and understanding with you and your partner.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere goes beyond having a cozy office or providing refreshments. It is about making you and your partner feel valued and respected from the moment you step through the door.
Your counsellor should start by greeting you and your partner with a smile and a genuine welcome. They must show sincere concern, making it clear that your struggles matter to them.
The counsellor must pay attention to their own body language, ensuring it conveys openness and approachability. For instance, a simple gesture like offering you a comfortable seat or a bottle of water can go a long way in making you feel at ease.
Finally, remember that building a rapport and creating a welcoming atmosphere is an ongoing process. That means your counsellor must continuously check in with you and your partner, ask for your feedback, and adjust their approach accordingly.
3. Strong communication skills
A good marriage counsellor or therapist should have excellent active listening skills, questioning skills, clarification and reflecting skills, as well as general communication skills, just to mention a few.
Your counsellor should be able to facilitate constructive dialogue between you and your partner.
For your counsellor to be a good listener, they must make you feel heard and understood. This means giving you undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and responding empathically to your concerns.
The counsellor should be able to articulate his or her thoughts, wisdom and guidance to you and your partner in a clear manner.
4. Impartial and non-judgmental attitude
The counsellor or therapist should have the ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you. It is essential that you and your partner feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, emotions, and concerns without fear of criticism or condemnation.
A skilled counsellor should maintain a non-judgmental and objective stance when helping you.
A professional marriage counsellor will remain neutral and unbiased throughout the therapeutic process. They will not take sides or favour one partner over the other.
Instead, they will listen to both of you attentively, offer insights, and guide you towards a deeper understanding of your relationship dynamics. This objectivity helps ensure fairness and creates a safe space for both of you to express your feelings and concerns.
Remember, the journey to growth and experiencing a happy and fulfilling marriage begins with you feeling safe and well supported.
To be continued …
Source: Excerpts from ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist and Marriage Therapist). https://counselorprinceass.wixsite.com/edu-counseling-psych
https://princeoffei22.wixsite. com/website
COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC)
Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health. Here are six top tips to support you:
1. Get to know yourself
Take time to appreciate yourself and connect with your emotions. Being aware of your feelings allows you to express yourself clearly and effectively. Poor emotional regulation can negatively affect your mental wellbeing.
2. Put in the work
Healthy relationships are built, not found. They require commitment and a willingness to accommodate each other’s needs.
3. Set and respect boundaries
Boundaries communicate what you appreciate and what you don’t like in a relationship. For example, respecting your need for alone time helps prevent unrealistic expectations and reduces pressure on the relationship.
4. Talk and listen
Disagreements are normal. Focus on listening to understand, not just to respond. Be open about your emotions and vulnerabilities with people you trust.
5. Let go of control
You can only control your actions, not those of others. Accepting this reduces stress and saves time while fostering healthier interactions.
6. Reflect and learn
Healthy expression of feelings helps you respond appropriately to others. Often, anger stems from hurt; recognizing this allows for better communication and relationship building. Reflect on the relationships that work well in your life, identify their positive qualities, and apply these lessons elsewhere.
As parents on a mission, raise children who are not just successful, but cultured, morally upright, and ready to lead. The secret? Blend biblical principles and traditional values with practical parenting strategies that work in today’s world.
Ghana’s culture is built on respect, community, and integrity, and when combined with Christian values like love and forgiveness, it is a powerful combo for parenting. Teaching children about traditions, biblical truths, or the importance of greeting elders is not just about preserving culture—it is about building character.
5 Practical steps to raise disciplined, cultured kids
1. Set clear expectations
Explain rules and values clearly. For example, “We respect elders because God says ‘Honour your father and mother’” (Ephesians 6:2). Also, “We respect elders because they have lived longer and know more.” Align household rules with cultural values like obedience and responsibility.
2. Lead by example
Children mimic what they see. Show respect to elders, speak kindly, and demonstrate honesty in daily life. Proverb: “If you show a child how to behave, they’ll behave.” Moreover, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go …” You can also introduce them to traditional games like “Oware” or “Ampe,” which teach strategic thinking.
3. Teach emotional intelligence
Help children label emotions (“You’re feeling angry”). Encourage resolving conflicts peacefully—like using “sorry” to mend relationships. Ghanaian proverb: “A smooth sea doesn’t make a skilled sailor.”
4. Assign responsibilities
Give age-appropriate chores (e.g., fetching water, helping with cooking). It builds accountability and pride in contributing. Link chores to cultural values like communal living (“We all help in the community”) and biblical stewardship.
5. Embed culture and faith in daily life
Cook traditional foods like Banku, Jollof rice, or Fufu, tell folktales, or celebrate local festivals with prayer and gratitude. Discuss values like ubuntu (I am because we are) to teach teamwork and empathy; alongside God’s love for unity (John 13:34-35). Make culture fun and relatable.
Some other awesome ways to make Ghanaian culture relatable for children include:
- Sharing popular Ghanaian artists like Joe Mettle, Uncle Ato, or Obaapa Christie, and teaching traditional dances like Kpanlogo or Adowa.
- Exploring Ghanaian crafts like kente weaving or bead-making through online workshops.
- Talking about festivals like Homowo (celebrated by the Ga people) or Aboakyer (a deer-hunting festival) using cool videos and pictures online.
Why this matters for Ghana’s future leaders
- Respect and integrity: Cultured children grow into leaders who respect others and uphold ethical standards.
- Community mindset: Values like cooperation and serving others (Galatians 5:13) prepare them to contribute positively to society.
- Resilience: Cultural roots give children a strong identity, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Parenting in the digital age
- Balance screen time with cultural activities. Use Anansi stories or Bible stories on YouTube or play Oware to teach strategy and patience.
- Discuss social media etiquette through the lens of respect, responsibility, and biblical wisdom (Proverbs 15:4).
Final thought for Ghanaian parents
February 2026 is a fresh start. Blend Ghana’s timeless values with modern tools to raise leaders who are grounded, respectful, and ready to thrive.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI and Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on relationships, marriage, and parenting in Ghana. He is an author, mental health professional, lecturer, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE). He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
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