Seven Things to Look for When Seeking a Couples Therapist
There are several important factors to consider when looking for a couples therapist. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
1. Talk with your partner about some of your options.
Do you want an in-person local therapist whose office you can physically go to? Would you prefer telehealth and get therapy by video in the comfort of your own home? If this is the case your options are many. You can start by googling your state, and the area of specialty you would like. You can search for various issues such as infidelity recovery, pre-marital counseling, or support with a divorce.
2. It’s important to ensure that the therapist is qualified and credentialed.
Look for therapists who hold licenses, certifications, and/or degrees in the areas of counseling, social work, or psychology in marriage and family therapy or related disciplines. Consider their educational background and any special training they may have in couples therapy.
3. What is the therapist’s experience and expertise?
How long have they been practicing, and how long have they been working with couples? Consider therapists who have experience in whatever your particular concern is, whether that be polyamory, communication issues, or sex-related concerns.
4. Do some research on the various approaches therapists often use and see which one resonates with you the most and aligns with your needs.
Some common approaches include Gottman Method, EFT (emotionally focused therapy), and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy.)
5. Availability.
Consider and be sure to ask questions regarding the therapist’s schedule and capacity. Maybe you want weekly sessions and you prefer mornings. You may come across a therapist who only has room for biweekly sessions and their preference is afternoon, night, and/or weekends. These are practical matters important to consider.
6. Compatibility.
This one in my opinion really should be number one. It’s the first thing I look for in a therapist. You can find the most qualified person on paper, but then not feel a therapeutic connection. Do your values align? Do you resonate with their message on their website or Facebook page? Do you have a good feeling when looking over their profile? Are the things they are saying resonating or does it sound too technical? Is the therapist speaking your language in words that you relate to or do they use a lot of professional jargon? A large list of qualifications and experience is less important to me than feeling a connection of some kind to this person. Can they help me with my particular problem? Do they get it? Do they understand my unique set of issues? Often you figure these things out after meeting your therapist as well. If it is not a good fit that is ok. Go with your gut feeling. If it feels like a nice combination of feeling supported and heard, and motivates you toward change you are in the right place.
7. Gender and cultural considerations.
Some couples may have preferences for the gender or cultural background of their therapist. It’s important that both people feel safe and comfortable discussing sensitive and personal issues.
8. Consider cost.
Couples therapy is an investment. Many practices do not accept insurance for couples counseling. If you wonder why it is often due to the fact that insurance companies want a diagnosis and set of issues to be addressed in a treatment plan for one individual. If couples therapy is covered by insurance the rates the therapist will get are often much lower. You will notice that many couples therapists are in private practice and there may be cost associated to consider. Some therapists offer a sliding fee scale. Investing in your relationship can be life-changing and transformational to your well-being as a person and a couple.
Consider that finding the right therapist can often be a process of trial and error. If one partner likes the therapist and one doesn’t that is important to explore why. It’s important also to consider whether your therapist can help both of you and is not biased in one direction or the other.
If you are seeking couples therapy in Ohio you can check out my website at couplescounselingohio.com and I can be reached at amy@couplescounselingohio.com
