Couples Therapy: How to Find the Right Couples Therapist
Relationship Questions: My husband and I have decided we need couples therapy, but we're not sure how to find the right therapist.
It's understandable that you may not feel comfortable finding a couples' therapist in the Yellow Pages or via Google. So here are some ways to find the right couples therapy counselor:
report abuseIt's understandable that you may not feel comfortable finding a couples' therapist in the Yellow Pages or via Google. So here are some ways to find the right couples therapy counselor:
- Ask your physician or clergy person for a referral. Don't feel shy: chances are you're not the first person who has asked!
- Ask your close friends or family members: Sure, many people are reluctant to talk about their own marital problems. But you might be surprised to find that your friends and family have also sought relationship advice.
- Keep looking: You may need to try a few counselors before you settle on one.
- Ask the counselor what sort of therapy they specialize in. Discuss your goals for couples therapy.
- Don't underestimate convenience: You shouldn't have to trek an hour in traffic to get relationship advice!
- Check to see if your health insurance covers couples therapy. You might not have to go broke just to get answers to all of your relationship questions!
- Ask questions: Don't forget to find out whether your therapist has experience with any specific issues you are struggling with (i.e. depression, alcoholism, abusive relationships).
- Show good judgment: The therapist's office should feel safe and professional (it's a bad sign if they're working out of their garage!).
- Go with your gut: If you and your husband don't feel comfortable with your therapist, keep looking! It's less important that they have fancy degrees on the wall than that they feel like someone you can talk to!
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