Marriage Counseling in the Religious Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

In this paper the emphasis is on the significance of religious institutions in maintaining the quality of a marriage, as also on the insights of theologians and professionals who engage in counseling married couples and who do so within religious organizations. A qualitative research approach was employed and semi–structured interviews were utilized to present the perspectives of religious officials (N=8) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The challenges they encounter in marriage counseling were highlighted. The research findings demonstrate that religious institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina play a vital role in providing counseling services. In traditional societies, there was a bias against experts offering assistance, and seeking institutional aid was met with social condemnation. Consequently, religious institutions became the primary refuge for citizens seeking help to navigate life’s challenges, while religious officials were trusted figures with whom to share their concerns. Despite today’s development of a network of counseling and therapeutic facilities (including social work centers, mental health facilities, non–governmental organizations, and private counseling centers), the importance of religious institutions remains steadfast. The experiences of theologians and professionals within religious institutions affirm that Bosnian marriages are facing a crisis, and that married couples require support to uphold the quality and stability of their relationships.