According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, in 2018 there were 782,039 divorces reported from across 45 states in America.
From the above statistic, some marriages and relationships might not be salvable. However, others might have been saved with better communication and understanding, which is what counseling does. Many couples choose to get counseling to help their relationship, both during difficult patches and also when they want to understand one another better.
But how do you choose the right local counselor? Read on to find out our 5 tips about how to choose counseling for couples in Albuquerque.
1. Look for Counselors With Couples Training
The first thing you need to do is find out what therapists are available in your local area. This can be done online or by looking in local directories.
Alternatively, you can look at these online directories that have details of counselors (and their specialties and qualifications):
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- The National Registry of Marriage-Friendly Therapists
While searching for counselors near you, you need to remember that not all counselors will be right for you. Most counselors have special training in specific fields, so you need to narrow down your search and look for the ones with marriage or couples training and experience.
If you’re looking for specific sex therapists, then you can look in The American Association of Sexuality, Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. These therapists have specific training in gender identity, sexuality, nonmonogamy, and BDSM/kink.
When checking out the therapists in Albuquerque, you also need to make sure that they:
- are licensed in your state
- have the appropriate training that relates to your problem
- and are supervised in couples therapy approaches.
For counseling to be a success, it is vital that you find a therapist who is qualified and trained in your area. For example, if you want counseling because of infidelity in your marriage then you might choose a counselor with over 20 years of marriage counseling experience. Whereas, if you want help with the intimate side of your relationship, a fully-qualified and trained sex therapist might be more appropriate.
2. Check Out Potential Therapists
During the process of searching for therapists in your area, it’s a good idea to check out their credentials. Look on their website to see what qualifications they have and familiarize yourself with the different types of training. Common licenses for marriage therapists include:
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
- or they might otherwise be known as a psychologist (with a Ph.D. or a PsyD).
Additionally, there are specific types of training and therapies that counselors might be trained in. For example, some therapists might be trained in emotionally-focused therapy.
Another way to check out potential therapists is by looking at their references and reviews. Find out what other couples and patients have said about their work and if the counseling helped them. Therapists who have good reviews from their patients are likely to be highly-skilled and maybe just the right fit for you.
You might also want to ask your friends or family, to see if they have any suggestions for a good therapist.
You can also ask potential therapists any questions you might have about their qualifications, experience, or therapy. This can either be done over the phone or during your first session. Before your first session, make sure you know what to expect, so you can get the most out of it.
3. Work Out What Type of Therapy You Want
Talk to your spouse and find out what type of therapy you both want. Couples’ counseling experience can differ from couple to couple and also from individual to individual. That’s why it’s important to talk about what you both want to gain from the therapy and what type of therapy you both think will work best.
There’s a range of different therapy approaches, but not all will be right for you. If you aren’t sure about which type of therapy is right for you, speak to potential therapists and ask for their opinion. Most therapists will be able to tailor your therapy sessions to ensure both you and your partner benefit from them.
4. Create a Budget
Another important thing to consider before choosing your therapist is the cost. Firstly you need to create a budget that you and your partner are comfortable with. Then you can start comparing counselor fees to see which ones best align with your budget.
When thinking about your budget, make sure you consider the importance of the relationship. Low costing therapy might not be worth the time and money, which is why you should look at your budget as an investment.
Highly experienced therapists may cost more in the short-term but it could save you money and time in the long run. After all, the more effective the therapy is, the sooner you can stop the sessions and your relationship can keep on thriving.
5. Ask Yourself Is the Therapist the Right Fit
The final thing to consider when choosing the right therapist is whether they’re the right fit for you. Finding a therapist who understands you and has similar beliefs is crucial.
For example, those with a strong belief system might prefer to see a therapist with the same beliefs. You might decide to ask potential therapists prior to the session about their personal beliefs.
After your first session with a therapist, you’ll also be able to see if they’re the right fit. Trusting your gut when it comes to therapy is important, so ask yourself if they made you feel comfortable and if you think that you’re able to open up in front of them.
Strengthen Your Relationship by Finding Local Counseling for Couples
Use our tips on how to choose counseling for couples in your area and find the right therapist to help you. Remember to choose a therapist that feels right for both you and your partner.
Are you living in Albuquerque and looking for local counseling for your relationship? Then get in touch with our friendly team to find out how we can help you or to book your first session.
