Finding a marriage counselor who is competent and affordable at the same time can be difficult. But discovering one whom you and your partner both can trust can be even more challenging.
Although seeking advice from a trustworthy family member, friend, or colleague could be beneficial, you may find it hard to disclose your private matter to them. In case you are considering therapy, it might turn out to be a needle in the haystack because of myriad factors.
However, if you and your partner are serious about seeking marital counseling, this guide will help you vet a counselor's credentials and ask the right questions to narrow your final choice to one. In other words, therapy can fill your heart with the high hope of resolving your recurring issues and eliminating those negative patterns that can affect your marital life.
Types of Marital Counselors
Before going into therapy, you must discern between different types of marriage counselors.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
Licensed marital and family therapists work with couples and families to address difficulties within their relationships, utilizing a paradigm that considers patients as part of a couple, family, or community system that affects and influences their mental health and well-being.
They emphasize relational dynamics and utilize treatment modalities that directly target relationship skills and aid in healing.
One must have a master's degree in marriage and family therapy (or a similar mental health discipline) to become an LMFT. They must have completed clinical hours under the supervision of a senior counselor, passed licensing exams, and obtained and retained state licensure.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
As the title indicates, licensed clinical social workers have a social focus and work toward improving society. Some LCSWs also specialize in marriage and family therapy. While some counselors offer couple or family group sessions, most of their therapy techniques are for individuals.
To become an LCSW, you must hold a master's degree in social work and pass the state's licensing exam. Some states also require the completion of supervised clinical hours for licensure.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
Licensed mental health counselors facilitate positive behavioral changes by focusing on the individual patient and the specific conditions with which they are struggling.
Certification requires a master's degree in psychology (or a similar mental health subject), supervised clinical work experience, and passing a license examination.
Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Psychologists offer professional mental health services, such as specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
The difference between a Ph.D. and Psy.D. is that the former focuses on research, while the latter emphasizes hands-on clinical training.
Psychologists must acquire a Ph.D. degree within their discipline, complete a yearlong internship, amass extra hours of supervised practice, take and pass national and state licensing exams, and participate in annual continuing education to keep their licenses active.
Finding A Marriage Counselor
Once you know how to distinguish between the different types of counselors, the following steps will help you locate the perfect one for you and your spouse.
Search Reputable Directories
Each of these three online directories has a convenient counselor search feature. These directories also include the therapists' credentials, such as qualifications and specialties.
- The National Registry of Marriage-Friendly Therapists
- Gottman Referral Directory
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
Verify Credentials
All therapists should be licensed or license-eligible to practice therapy, yet deciphering mental health credentials may be challenging. Double-check your state's specifications, as they differ from state to state regarding licensing requirements. Specializing in a particular form of counseling, like marriage and family therapy, usually calls for advanced education.
Ask Questions
Ask straightforward questions to understand a marital counselor's techniques and qualifications, gauge competence, and get insight into what to anticipate.
It is also crucial to realize that a therapist can anticipate how long you will be in treatment unless they have conducted a comprehensive assessment; even then, it may be challenging. Anticipate staying in therapy for a minimum of four to six months and up to one year, depending on the severity of your problems and the length of your suffering.
How A Marriage Counselor Can Help You
No one can fix your issues for you, but a marital counselor can help you and your partner discover solutions that work for you. Seeking outside assistance to save your marriage is an admirable act of selflessness and bravery and one that, with any luck, will ultimately be fruitful.
