How To Select a Relationship Therapist

Therapy is a very personal thing, and finding the right therapist is critical to your mental health. When choosing a therapist, especially a relationship therapist, the best place to start is with your Primary Care Physician. Speak to her about your concerns and she should be able to set you up with the right therapy group or counselor. If you are not satisfied with the referrals from your doctor, you can always consult your insurance company and see if they can refer you to places near your home with therapists who will be familiar with your types of concerns.

When choosing a relationship therapist it is best to start with a few things. See how you feel around the therapist. Are you comfortable; can he relate to you and your partner; is he amiable and not disconnected; what is the counselor's approach and philosophy? Does the therapist explain to you how both of you can work together to solve your issues, and does he indicate how long the therapy may take?

Does the counselor seek regular peer consultations? Peer consultations are a necessity because it helps the therapist get feedback; this helps provide checks and balances. Is the relationship therapist open to the feedback and learning from his mistakes? If you're going to a therapist to learn how to grow together as a couple, it doesn't make sense to see one who isn't open to personal growth of his own.  In early discussions, it's good to pay attention and observe whether the therapist provides wisdom and emotional support to help you come to a conclusion on your own.

There a few other things that you should look for. Does the therapist have experience as a relationship therapist; is he licensed; does he have a graduate degree in counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a similar field? Does the therapist have post graduate training? Finally, you should do your research and find out whether any complaints have been filed against this therapist.

It takes time to find the right relationship therapist, but sometimes you can find the right fit for yourself and your partner if you do your homework. Sometimes you are in such distress that you don't have the energy or the desire to search around; in that case, take your primary doctor's referral and just go with that. Once you are able to focus a little bit better, if you feel that this therapist is not the right fit for you then you can take some time to do a little research.  A good relationship therapist, whether licensed or not, is one that can listen and be compassionate and help you come to the best solution for you. Check with your local mental health organizations for further information on what to look for when searching for a relationship therapist.