Is your marriage on the rocks? Have you been feeling a growing distance in your relationship recently?
Married couples are often prone to arguments, disagreements, and personality conflicts. Sometimes, the only way to handle these issues is by having a third party intervene. Marriage counseling is the best remedy for salvaging a broken relationship.
While there are many qualified marriage counselors, you need to find the right person for the job. Choosing a couples therapist for your marriage shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Here’s how to find the right marriage counselor for you.
Consider Your Needs
When choosing a marriage counselor, it’s essential to consider your needs. What are you hoping to achieve by going to marriage counseling?
What are your goals? What are your expectations? How and when to leave a marriage? Once you decide what to get out of counseling, you can narrow your options.
Consider whether you want an individual counselor or a couples counselor. If you’re having difficulty communicating with your spouse, you may want to consider a couples counselor.
An individual counselor may be a better option if you’re dealing with personal issues impacting your marriage.
Do Your Research
There are many types of marriage counselors, and finding the right one can be daunting. The best way to find a good marriage counselor is to research.
Talk to friends, family, and your doctor to see if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few names, check out their website and read reviews.
Make sure you find a marriage counselor that you feel comfortable with and that has experience with the type of problem you are having in your marriage.
Know Your Budget
It is essential to know your budget when choosing a marriage counselor. You may be tempted to select the first counselor you find, but it won’t be easy to continue meeting with them if you cannot afford their services.
Many online directories can help you find a counselor in your area. Once you have found a few potential counselors, call their offices and ask about their fees.
Counseling can be expensive, so ask about payment plans or sliding scale fees.
Check Their Qualifications
When looking for a marriage counselor, you want to ensure they are qualified to help you. Check their qualifications by asking about their education and training.
Make sure they have experience working with couples therapy and are familiar with the challenges that you are facing. Also, ask if they are a member of any professional organizations, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
This will help you to know that they are up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field.
Verify Their Credentials
When seeking out a marriage counselor, it is crucial to verify their credentials. This can be done by checking with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Both of these organizations keep lists of credentialed counselors. Once you have verified that the counselor you are considering is credentialed, you can check with your state’s licensing board to ensure they are licensed to practice in your state.
Inquire About Approach and Technique
When inquiring about the counselors’ approach, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. First, you will want to ensure that the counselor uses a strengths-based approach.
This means that they will help you to identify and build on the strengths of your relationship. Second, you will want to inquire about the counselor’s experience with couples in your situation.
For example, if you are experiencing communication difficulties, you will want to ensure the counselor has experience helping couples with this issue. Finally, you will want to ask about the counselor’s philosophy on marriage.
This will help you to determine if their beliefs align with your own. By taking the time to inquire about the counselors’ approach, you can choose a marriage counselor that is a good fit for you and your relationship.
Availability and Hours of Operation
When choosing a marriage counselor, it is vital to consider their availability and hours of operation. If you can only see the counselor during business hours, they may not be available when you need them.
Consider a counselor who offers evening or weekend appointments. Also, consider whether the counselor offers online or phone counseling, as this can be a more convenient option for busy couples.
Trust Your Gut
When looking for a marriage counselor, it is crucial to trust your gut. If you feel you can trust the person and they seem to have your best interests at heart, they are likely a good fit for you.
It is also essential to make sure you feel comfortable communicating with the counselor. Communication and rapport are critical in any therapeutic relationship.
If you feel like you can’t be open and honest with your counselor, or if there’s simply no connection, it’s probably not the right fit. Trust your gut and follow your instincts – they’ll usually guide you in the right direction.
Choose the Right Marriage Counselor to Mend your Marriage
If you’re considering marriage counseling, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a counselor. First, make sure the counselor is licensed and qualified.
Second, consider the counselor’s experience and specialization. Third, look for a marriage counselor who you feel comfortable with and confident can help you achieve your goals.
Fourth, be sure to ask about the counselor’s fees and policy on confidentiality. Finally, trust your instincts if you feel like the counselor isn’t a good fit, move on.
