Choosing The Right Marriage Counselor For You And Your Partner

People who go to a marriage counselor do so for many different reasons. The majority of people turn to couples counseling only when they fear that their relationship is in dire straits and that something must be done to either save it or to help decide whether it can be saved at all. Some couples, however, are more proactive and employ therapy to keep a more constant and impartial eye on their relationship dynamic, and to identify and handle problems either as or before they take place - and before they completely weaken the relationship. Whatever your reason for seeking counseling, there are many matters to consider as you look for the right counselor for the two of you.

Once you have decided to get help, it is important that you each decide what it is that you want to learn from therapy. This will both help each of you as individuals understand how you view the partnership, and will help your prospective counselor to decide if he or she has the experience necessary to help you. You should also decide as a couple whether you want a counselor who is male or female, married or single, young or old. Does it matter to you if your therapist has ever been happily married, or divorced?

It's important to check out the credentials and licensing of the individual you select. Some credentials designate a specialty in dealing with couples and families. This might be extra education that is critical to helping you and your partner work out some difficult issues. Additionally, there are several different education levels ranging from licensed social workers to PhDs and even medical doctors. Credentials on their own do not necessarily indicate a counselor's ability to connect with each party and provide quality care, but there are some differences in how each is able to treat certain problems. Some medical concerns, such as anxiety or depression might indicate a different type of medical problem and might require all manner of diagnostic testing or prescription drugs. For example, an MD can order relevant tests and can write prescriptions, whereas most other counselors cannot.

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to family counseling is, of course, the cost. If financial troubles plague you as a couple, it's important to consider what strain the added cost of a specialist might add to the mix. Several insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of couples counseling, however, so it is a smart idea to check your policy, and to make sure that the counselor you select will accept your insurance, or will bill them for you.

Choosing a therapist is much like a job interview, except that you and your partner are undertaking the hiring. When you meet each therapist, it's important to have a list of questions. Listen carefully to the answers. Putting in the time and effort to find the right counselor will give you as a couple the best possible experience in therapy. Remember that finding someone whom you both like and trust is the key to reaching your shared goals.