Communication and Conflict

• Communication is key in any relationship. While good communication patterns can lead to a successful relationship, poor communication can have detrimental consequences. Assessments gauge a relationship's level of communication by asking questions pertaining to conflict and unity. A questionnaire may ask parties if conflict is resolved well, or if they feel that they are heard and understood by the other person. Although some questions regarding the strength of communication may require an explanation, it is best to respond to these questions with either a positive or negative answer. The counselor will explore the reasoning behind given answers during the session.
  
  

Support

• Both individuals in the relationship should render a certain level of support to one another; relationship assessments seek to determine the amount of support given. Questions pertaining to support may ask if an individual feels validated or respected by his partner. The idea behind asking such questions during an assessment is to determine the amount of empathy and love that the couple has for one another.
  
  

Aspirations and Goals

• Support and unity are necessary when striving to attain goals in a relationship. Assessments will ensure that both parties are aware of personal aspirations by asking questions pertaining to discussion practices. If, for instance, a husband desires to be a small business owner, the assessment will ask the wife if financial goals were discussed in detail. If the wife does not know anything about her husband's financial dreams, the couple may be deemed by the counselor to have a problem with communication. Aspiration and goal assessments also ask couples about family ambitions in the near or distant future.
  
  

Relationship Roles and Cultivation

• Marriage counseling assessments typically contain a questionnaire or section pertaining to relationship roles. The central purpose of this segment is to determine if both parties are satisfied with their responsibilities. In addition, relationship role and cultivation questionnaires explore the amount of time that individuals spend with one another. Although couples should not spend every waking hour with each other, they should reserve enough time to be aware of changes occurring in the opposite person's life.