When you’re going through a difficult marriage, it can be helpful to consult a professional. Marriage counsellors help couples resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and develop better communication skills. They also offer insight into your relationship and help you understand why it’s having problems. If you’re wondering how to choose a counsellor who can help you with what you’re going through, here are a few pointers worth keeping in mind.
So here’s how to go about achieving that by finding a counsellor that works for the both of you.
LOOK FOR SOMEONE SPECIALISING IN THE ISSUES YOU’RE EXPERIENCING
When choosing a marriage counsellor, it’s important to look for someone who specialises in the issues you’re experiencing. If you’re going through a difficult divorce, for example, you’ll want to find a counsellor who has experience helping couples through this type of situation.
The same goes for infidelity, communication problems, or any other specific issue you’re dealing with. By finding a counsellor who specialises in the area you need help with, you can be sure that they have the knowledge and experience to help you work through your problems.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE
If you’re having serious marriage problems, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help. The sooner you seek counselling, the better chance you have of saving your marriage. If you wait until your relationship is on the brink of divorce, it may be too late to salvage it.
No matter what stage your relationship is in, seeking professional help can only make things better. If you’re not sure whether marriage counselling is right for you, talk to your partner about it. The two of you can discuss your concerns and decide together if it’s something you want to pursue.
It’s important to find a counsellor who’s specifically trained for couple counselling and has gone through extra training to learn how to help couples work through their problems. They’re also more likely to be up-to-date on the latest research and techniques for helping couples improve their relationships.
TRY TO FIND A COUNSELLOR CLOSEBY
If you live in a rural area, you may have to travel some distance to see a counsellor. But if you can, try to find someone who’s close by. This way, you won’t have to waste time travelling to and from appointments. You should also make sure the counsellor’s office is in a safe and comfortable location. If you don’t feel comfortable going to their office, it may be a sign that they’re not the right counsellor for you.
Alternatively, you can ask if your marriage counsellor does virtual appointments via a secure video call platform. Then, distance is no issue.
CHECK IF YOUR INSURANCE COVERS COUNSELLING
Many insurers will cover at least part of the cost of therapy, so it’s worth
looking into. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover counselling, it may be worth paying out of pocket for the sessions if you feel like it would be beneficial for your relationship.
CHECK WHETHER THEY FOLLOW EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES
When you’re meeting with a potential counsellor, ask them about the approaches they use. Evidence-based therapies are those that have been proven to be effective in clinical trials. These therapies are based on the latest research and are constantly being updated as new evidence emerges.
Some common evidence-based approaches for relationship counselling include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and emotional focused therapy (EFT). If a counsellor is using an evidence-based approach, they should be able to tell you about the research supporting it.
WORK WITH A MARRIAGE COUNSELLOR WHO CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR PARTNER FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Marriage counselling can be a great option for couples who are struggling with their relationship. However, it’s important to make sure you find the right counsellor for your situation and needs. Find a counsellor who’s right for you and who can help you improve your relationship.