Choosing a therapist can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be if you follow these six steps.
Ask a trusted friend to ask their trusted friends on your behalf without sharing your identity. Don’t be afraid to admit you need help. Most couples end up seeking help at some point in their marriage.
Use an on-line therapist directory such as www.goodtherapy.org or www.psychologytoday.com. Enter your zip code to begin searching for someone near you. Cast a wide net and search within a reasonable driving radius. Read the profiles and listen to your gut. If a therapist seems interesting, go straight to their website and read everything they’ve written. Most therapists now have a personal website that will give you a lot of insight into their personality and therapeutic style.
Don’t be cheap. This is not an area where you want price to be your deciding factor. At the same time, therapists who charge more are not necessarily better. Choose the best possible fit and then accept that their expertise has tremendous value to you, so expect to pay for that.
Google the name of the therapist. Are there reviews on Healthgrades? Or Yelp? Most people are reluctant to provide on-line reviews unless anonymity is guaranteed, however, some will.
Do not assume that more experience or more education automatically means superior skill. Of course, these are factors to consider along with many others, but therapists with decades under their belts may be utilizing outdated treatment methods. Just like in medicine, we are constantly making advances in treatment. We are always learning new things about the human mind, relationships and more effective ways to create needed change.
Call the therapist and share a little bit about why you are seeking therapy. Ask them how much experience they have working with couples and if they have specialized training for helping couples. You should hang up from this phone call feeling confident that this professional can help. Contact three or more and then go with your gut. If your first choice ends up being a disappointment, try not to be discouraged. Immediately make an appointment with your second choice. And of course, your therapist should be licensed by your state. Feel free to post questions in comments!
Comments
Tiffany Locke
August 8, 2017I’m glad you talk about how there are multiple factors to consider when choosing a therapist and how it’s a good idea to call potential ones so you can learn more about their experience and other aspects. When you call them, you’d probably want to check their communication skills and how well they answer your questions to make sure they’ll be able to provide you with the help you’re looking for. Meeting with the therapists in person could give you the chance to learn more about how they work as well as have the opportunity to see if you feel comfortable discussing your marriage with them.
Ernest London
September 20, 2017I like that you mentioned to call a therapist and feel him out before you decide. Then, you can gauge how comfortable he makes you and decide whether or not he is a good fit. I want to find a couples therapist for my wife and I, because we have been having a hard time getting along lately. I will keep these things in mind as I search, thanks a lot.
Ridley Fitzgerald
July 4, 2018You’ve got great tips for finding a couples counselor. My wife and I have been fighting a lot recently, and we both want to fix our relationship. I’ll be sure to try looking a therapist online, like you said.
Katie Wilson
July 25, 2018Your advice about going online to find out more about a therapist makes a lot of sense to me. Finding someone who is well-liked by their past patients would really help you know that they are qualified. My husband and I are trying to work through some tough issues right now, so we’ll have to find a good therapist online to help us out.
Tex Hooper
September 1, 2021I like your couple’s tips. I need to get a therapist. I am having marriage issues.
Charlotte Fleet
July 20, 2022I am glad you suggest asking potential therapists about their experience and training in couple’s therapy. My older sister and her husband have decided to try marriage therapy to strengthen their relationship. I’ll make sure they consider a therapist’s experience before hiring them to know if they are the right fit.