Have you had a time when it seemed like everything was falling apart? How little things can become big problems get more information. The moment people reach this point is when they begin to consider seeing an experienced marriage and family therapist. How do you select the right therapist?
Imagine browsing endless listings of internet therapists from your couch. Like trying to find a pin in a pile of hay. Even though every profile appears to promise the stars and moon, how can a person be certain that they are the right fit for their family and themselves?
Let’s discuss credentials first. A therapist with excellent credentials will usually have a jumble of initials following their name. This could be LCSW, LMFT, or even PhD. These letters do not represent random characters, but rather years of training and experience. However, don’t let this be your sole guide.
Experience also matters. You might ask yourself: Would you place your trust in someone who has never cooked food outside of a culinary program? Counselors should be treated the same way. You should look for a professional counselor who has helped families and couples to solve a wide variety of problems. This can include issues such as poor communication or addiction.
But, here’s the thing: Experience and qualifications only make up one part of a complex picture. It is also important to consider chemistry. Imagine you’re on a romantic date with someone on paper who is great, but at dinner leaves you feeling empty. When you don’t have a connection with your therapist it may look like that.
A family and/or marital therapist who is skilled should immediately make you feel comfortable. In the beginning they should speak less and listen more, so that you can express yourself without feeling threatened or judged. If you find yourself feeling ignored or misinterpreted by your counselor, it might be time to look elsewhere.
This can be assessed by scheduling the initial consultations with several different therapists. Most offer these at no cost or at reduced rates. If you’re looking for that special click, think of this as speed-dating for therapy.
Let’s face it: therapists use many different strategies and approaches. While some fervently endorse Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT – others may prefer Emotionally Oriented Therapy – EFT. These approaches do not merely use technical language; they have different ways to solve problems.
CBT, for example, focuses on altering negative cognitive patterns that impact behavior. Even though it sounds difficult, knowing these variations allows you to find a practitioner’s style that suits you.
Do not undervalue the word-ofmouth either! Ask friends and family members if they had any positive experiences working with a particular therapist. This may allow them to recommend an excellent one.
Money is also a factor – the cost of therapists can be expensive! Insurance plans often do not cover certain types of therapy such as marriage or family sessions. You should ask up-front about the cost and the payment methods available to avoid unpleasant shocks later.
Teletherapy, and the role technology plays here, is becoming increasingly popular because of how convenient it is. This means working remotely isn’t a big issue. You may collaborate with someone else in another town or state without ever having to leave home.
The final and most important thing to do is to trust your instincts. If you are feeling uncomfortable during your session or quest, don’t dismiss it! How comfortable and confident you are during therapy will affect how effective it can be for you.
You can find here a collection with useful advice, personal anecdotes and tips to assist you in your search for that perfect marriage and/or family therapist. Remember: Finding a good marriage and family counselor may take some patience, but the rewards of mending broken relationships are worth it.