Finding the Right Fit
When seeking a qualified therapist visit the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists’ website (www.aamft.org) to find a member provider. If you two decide to work with a social worker or a professional counselor, be sure to ask how much experience and training they have with families and couples. The more experienced your therapist is the better.
Carrie Elizabeth Lin, a psychotherapist and career counselor told the International Bipolar Foundation that despite the cost (approximately $75 to $200 per session) and time commitment, couples should stick it out. “Many couples expect immediate results from couples counseling [or marriage counseling]. It’s very common for couples to quit after 2 or 3 sessions. In many cases this is a big mistake. For counseling to be effective, you have to stick it out for 3 to 6 months. You also need to commit time to doing homework assignments and practicing the skills you’re learning. When you think about what’s at stake—your marriage or partnership—a 3- to 6-month commitment to the process isn’t that long.”
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If it makes you more comfortable, call the therapist you are planning to see and ask what to expect and how to prepare. Most marriage counselors will welcome these questions in advance. Your attitude toward change is the most important: by entering the session with an open mind, couples will more at ease and feel ready to begin the important work of couples therapy.
