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Choosing the Right Couples Counselor for You

If you’re new to couples counseling, the process can seem overwhelming. How do you know if a marriage counselor seems good or qualified? What are you looking for in a good counselor? What if you like the marriage therapist but your partner does not?

Many assume they are not qualified to choose a couples counselor. Therapist A or Therapist B – it doesn’t really matter, does it? Of course, it does. Picking the right counselor for you could mean the difference between accomplishing goals in therapy and making some real, tangible difference in your marital problems to just continuing down the problematic road you’re already on.

Choosing a couples counselor isn’t radically different (at least in aspects) of going on a blind date. Sometimes you have to rely heavily on your instincts. What’s your initial feeling upon meeting the counselor. How did the therapist communicate with you? Did you feel respected, understood? Or did you feel estranged and more confused after you left?

Even if you don’t know a tremendous amount about psychology, you can ask them about the approach. Every counselor has training that is very specific and he or she should be able to explain it to you in a way that’s clear and understandable.

Don’t just assume that your marriage therapist knows best. Be a prudent shopper! Ask questions. And again, check in with your gut. If you feel a sense of trust and confidence, chances are you are on the right track. Of course, your partner needs to feel similarly but chances are, if you encounter a good, professional couples counselor aligned with both of your beliefs, you and your partner will be in agreement.

This article was written by Staff Writer, and posted on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 5:46 am. It is filed under Marriage. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.