Looking to start marriage counseling in Philadelphia? Here’s how to find the best therapist for your relationship needs
Looking to improve your relationship?
Couples therapy (traditionally known as ‘marriage counseling’) is a great tool to learn new skills for communication and a place in which to have difficult conversations about trust, infidelity or sexual issues. A skilled couples counselor can help you to grow as a couple and achieve new levels of trust and connection.
Finding the right couples counselor can be a daunting task, but this comprehensive guide will take you through a step-by-step approach to finding the perfect couples counselor for your unique needs.
First, let’s identify the problem
Are you coping with infidelity?
Are you stuck in a loop of having the same fight over and over?
Have you grown apart and are considering divorce?
Do you have sexual issues? Sexless marriage or sexual incompatibilities that are affecting your relationship?
Are you having boundary issues with your in-laws that are straining your relationship?
It's also important to consider the level of commitment you and your partner are willing to make. Are you both ready to invest time and effort into the counseling process? I would recommend that for couples therapy to work you should be ready to attend WEEKLY sessions for at least the first 8 weeks then you could potentially shift to sessions every other week.
Second, start researching therapists
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs and goals, it's time to start researching potential counselors. There are several ways you can go about this:
1. Ask for recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or trusted individuals who have had positive experiences with counseling. Their recommendations can be a great starting point in your search.
2. Online directories: Use online directories specifically designed for finding couples counselors. These directories often provide detailed profiles, including information about their experience, areas of expertise, and counseling approaches.
3. Professional associations: Check out professional associations for couples counselors in your area. These associations often have directories or referral services that can help you find qualified counselors.
Third, schedule a brief call
Once you have a list of potential counselors, it's time to schedule initial consultations or interviews. Many counselors offer a free intro call to get to know you and your partner and determine if they are the right fit for your needs.
During these consultations, take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Here are a few key questions to consider:
1. What is your approach to couples counseling?
2. How do you typically work with couples facing infidelity/communication issues/parenting concerns/open marriages?
3. Do you offer in-person and/or virtual sessions?
5. How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
6. What are your fees and session lengths?
Fourth, do you like and TRUST this counselor?
When it comes to couples therapy, you’re really baring the potentially embarrassing inner workings of your relationship to another person. In addition to liking how this therapist treats you and your partner, do you trust them to push you and your partner to do the work necessary to move beyond the current issues?
During your initial consultations, pay attention to how the counselor listens and responds to your concerns. Do they seem genuinely interested in your story? Do they provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express yourselves? These are important factors to consider when evaluating compatibility.
Additionally, consider the counselor's communication style. Do they communicate in a way that resonates with you and your partner? Effective communication is key in couples counseling, so it's important to find a counselor who communicates in a way that you both find helpful and supportive.
The sooner you start, the sooner your relationship will improve
Once you’ve selected the right couples therapist for your needs, get some appointments on the calendar. In my experience, couples therapy works best when you can attend WEEKLY for the first 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, you may be able to decrease to every other week, but every couple’s needs are different.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!