If you and your partner are going through a rough patch in your relationship, you may be considering marriage counseling. In many cases the intervention of a qualified marriage counselor can save the day, and many unhappy marriages have been turned around with the help of a qualified independent professional.
Even so, not every marriage counselor will be up to the task, and it is important to choose a counselor who has plenty of experience, knowledge and training. Each state has its own licensing requirements for marriage and family counseling services, covering things like training, education and relevant experience. It is important for couples to become familiar with the licensing requirements of the state where they live, and to make sure that any counselor they are considering holds the required licenses and certifications to do business in the state.
When looking for a marriage counselor it is important to keep in mind that not everyone who calls themselves a marital therapist will be a licensed professional. The licensing and credentialing standards established by state governments and private organizations are in place to protect couples from counselors who are not qualified and/or unprofessional.
After those licensing and credentialing concerns have been put to rest it is time to actually meet those marriage counselors face to face. In order for marriage and family counseling to be effective it is critical that both partners be comfortable with their counselor. That is why meeting the counselor is such an important part of the process.
When it comes time for couples to meet the marriage counselors they are considering they should come armed with a number of important questions. Some of the most important questions to ask include:
- What kind of training and education do you have?
- How many years have you been practicing?
- Where did you go to school?
- Do you have experience dealing with marital issues of this kind?
- How many sessions do you anticipate we will need?
- How much is your fee?
- Will your services be covered under my health insurance or will I have to pay out of pocket?
- How long is each counseling session?
- How often will the sessions take place?
- Will we be counseled together as a couple, individually, or both?
The answers to these questions will help you determine whether or not you have found the right marriage counselor. Marriage and family counseling is not something that couples should rush into. It is important to give this important decision the care and consideration it deserves. It is also important for both husband and wife to make a commitment to see the counseling through to the end. No marriage gets into trouble overnight, and no marriage can be saved overnight. Marriage counseling is a process – and sometimes a lengthy one. It is vital that both parties agree to commit to the process and see it through. Marriage counseling can be a godsend, but only for couples who are willing to do the hard work that it takes to save a troubled relationship.
