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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Bloomington Marriage Counselor Sees Higher Demand In Pandemic

holding hands
Amy Fowler Shores
/
AP
The pandemic has placed strains on more relationships, according to a Bloomington marriage counselor.

A Bloomington marriage counselor said she's getting more requests for counseling as the pandemic causes more stress and family friction.

Brittany Malak
Credit Brittany Malak
Bloomington therapist Brittany Malak advises couples arguing over finances to consider what money means to them to help get at the root of their anxieties.

Therapist Brittany Malak said whether these stresses lead to more divorces could depend on how long sheltering-in-place lasts.

“Whether that ends up in divorce, whether that doesn’t, I think time will tell,” Malak said. “But one thing I think I can say with certainty is it’s going to put that stress and going to put that strain that may potentially lead some couples down that path.”

Malak said spending more time with loved ones can increase tension, while many are dealing with job losses or fear of losing income.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty about the future, which causes a lot of anxiety, so a lot more individuals are having fears or are anxious about the future,” Malak said.

Malak said whenever there's a dispute about finances, it helps to figure out what money means to you.

“There’s usually a deeper meaning of security or freedom or stability and bringing up more of those emotions so it becomes less of a conflict between the two of them, but it’s something that can be emotionally joining together,” she said.

Malak is doing all therapy virtually. She said it allows for more flexibility and will likely be used more often after the pandemic. While technical glitches can sometimes cause or diffuse tension, the digital format can be more comfortable because clients can be at home.

“Sometimes coming into the therapy office can be really intimidating,” Malak said. “For a lot of my couples, I’m sure it’s relieving and beneficial to just cozy up on their own couch, with their dogs and their cats and be in their own environment.”

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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