I have used the phrase “Trained third-party help” several times recently, and I figured I should clarify what I mean by that.

First third party. Simple enough – it’s someone other than you and your spouse – a third person added to the mix. It’s amazing what a third party can see. We get so wrapped up in our situation and our perspective that we can’t see things that are obvious to others. Beyond that, the third party is not directly involved, doesn’t have a side, “has no dog in the fight”, and thus has no pride at stake. A third party doesn’t necessarily mean a stranger, and it can be someone who knows one of you better than the other. If their goal is to resolve issues and make the marriage better, a friend can help.

As for trained, maybe trained is not the right word; perhaps skilled would be a better word. Usually one has to be trained to be skilled, but great skill can be had without formal training, and sometimes folks have a natural talent for something such that they need very little training to be excellent. Additionally, experience can be a great teacher, and sometimes a friend who has walked a similar path is all one needs.

The level of skill and training needed depends on the situation. Minor issues can often be dealt with the help a friend or two. A couple with a good solid marriage can be a huge help in some situations. If the problem is bigger, or has not been resolved by talking with friends, then something more is needed. The more complex and/or unusual a problem is, the pickier you will need to be. Just because someone is trained in general does not mean they have experience or skill with every possible marital problem. Those who are professionally trained will be upfront about this, and will generally refuse to deal with you if they have no training for something you’re dealing with.

Be aware that you have to connect and fit with anyone who is helping you. The bigger the issue, the more important this is. A counsellor who is world famous is of no use to you if you or your spouse don’t feel connected and comfortable with that person. Personality issues can make or break a relationship with third-party help. If you and/or your wife are following Jesus, you need to fit in this area as well. Some non-Christian counsellors have training that allows them to work with Christians in ways that don’t violate their faith. If you have an uncommon issue to deal with, or don’t live near a major city, this may be something you need to consider.

Please be aware that third-party help, no matter how skilled, can’t fix you, your spouse, or your marriage. Only you and your spouse can do the work that is needed. The third party can give you insight and offer ways to proceed, but they can’t do it for you. You have a journey to take, and the third party is offering you a map that shows safe and dangerous places, good roads and bad roads. If you and your spouse are both willing, that map is enough to ensure success; but the two of you still have to make the journey and deal with any obstacles along the way.

A few sources of third-party help, and what to expect with each:

• Friends: You already know and trust them, which is great. You may not feel comfortable discussing certain things, which is a problem. If they show favouritism, or you or your spouse feel they do, it’s not going to work out. Good for simple things that haven’t grown too large. 
• Lay-counsellors/lay-pastors: These folks have some training, and if it’s done right they have some oversight or someone they can call on if they get in too deep. Often these people have personal experience with whatever they are now helping others with, and that is usually a plus. If they stick to what they know, tell you if you get into something they don’t know, and can maintain confidentiality, they can be a significant help in a wide range of marital and personal areas. Lay-help is usually free or very low cost, which is an important factor for some couples. A great first choice for many things.
• Pastors: Being a pastor does not mean that a person has been trained to counsel, nor does it mean the person is gifted at helping others in this way. Some pastors are awesome counsellors, others are not, and some need to be on the receiving end of marriage counselling. Ask about training and experience. Also consider what you will be sharing, and if you will find it difficult to deal with your pastor after sharing personal parts of your marriage.
  Note: Pastors can be a great source of direction for seeking help, as they may have a good awareness of who is available and the strengths and weaknesses of various people.
• Counsellor/therapist: Individuals who have training and certification are generally the safest and surest choice, but there are both emotional and financial issues that may keep folks from using them – even when their marriage desperately needs “professional help”. Many problems never need this level of help, but some are only going to be resolved at this level. Don’t waste time with other forms of third party help if this is what you need, or if the others clearly are not getting the job done.

Bottom line: Get help when you need it. Waiting too long can make a small problem large, or make a manageable problem unmanageable.