Have you ever had a day when it seemed like everything was falling apart? Do you know that minor issues can become major ones? At this point, many people are the first to seek out a family and marital therapist check this out. How can you find the best match?
Imagine this: You’re sitting on your couch, reading a long list of therapists. The process is similar to trying to find a pin in a pile of hay. The profiles all seem to promise the earth, but how do you know who is best for you and your loved ones?
Let’s first discuss qualifications. LCSW or LMFT is often seen after the name of a therapist. The letters above do not represent a random selection of letters; they are a representation of years spent in education and training. These are not the only references you should use.
Expertise plays a role as well. Think about this: Would a chef with only culinary school experience be trusted? Counselors also fall into this category. Choose a therapist who has helped families and couples with a variety of issues, from ineffective communication to more serious problems like addiction or adultery, for several years.
But here’s where it gets tough: Experience and qualifications alone are not enough. The chemistry between the two people is crucial. Imagine that you found the perfect partner in a paper profile, but had a disastrous date. It may seem like this if there is no communication with your therapist.
Right away, you should feel comfortable with your marriage and/or family therapist. They should listen more than they talk, so that you can express yourself freely and without fear. If you leave sessions feeling misunderstood or ignored, you might want to look elsewhere.
You can get a feel for this by scheduling initial consultations with several different therapists. The majority offer them at a reduced price or free of charge. It’s like speed dating infused with therapy: The goal is to discover that spark.
We’ll get right to it. The strategies and methods used by therapists vary greatly. Others may prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These techniques use different approaches to solving problems. They are not just technical terms.
CBT, as an example, aims at addressing negative cognitive patterns which influence behavior. EFT aims to create emotional bonds between family members and partners. By understanding these differences, you can choose a practitioner with methods that appeal to your needs.
Don’t forget to take word-of-mouth marketing seriously! Take word-of-mouth advertising seriously too!
Therapy is expensive – money talks! Although many insurance policies don’t cover specialized therapy like marriage or family sessions, they still cover mental health treatments. Double-check all fees and payment options in order to avoid unpleasant surprise later.
Technology plays a role in all of this. Teletherapy has gained in popularity because it’s so convenient. Location is no longer an issue when you can collaborate with others locally or across state lines without leaving your home.
Trusting your instincts is the first step in this process. It’s probably the most important. If you have a strange sensation during the search for your doctor or in the first few sessions, don’t ignore it! Comfort is a key factor in how well a treatment will work for you.
What we have to offer anyone searching for the ideal marriage and/or family therapist is a mix of practical advice and anecdotes from our own lives. While it might take time to find that perfect match, the efforts to restore relationships will be worth it!