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5 Things To Look For In A Marriage Counselor

Making the decision to seek marital counseling is a deeply personal decision that you and your partner shouldn't take lightly. And because the counselor you choose will have a front row seat to your most intimate conversations, you need to find someone that makes both of your feel at ease. If you and your partner have agreed that therapy is right for your relationship, you should know what to look for in a marriage counselor.

According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. But even those staggering statistics shouldn't be a reason to give up on having a successful relationship. When both partners want to save the relationship, and are willing to commit the time and energy to marital counseling, you can begin the process of working through the problems in your relationship and even uncovering some issues that were hiding beneath the surface. But like finding the right partner, it's important to take the time to look for the right person to help you work on your relationship.

Specific training in marital therapy, a positive attitude about marriage, and the ability to keep your sessions under control are just a few of the qualities you should be looking for when choosing a marriage counselor. Once you've found someone you both agree on, you can begin the process of healing your marriage.

1

An Impressive Resume

Marriage counseling requires a specific set of skills. Before you agree to begin counseling, you should make sure the therapist you choose is trained and experienced in marital therapy. According to U.S. News & World Report, many therapists offer couple's therapy, but few have been educated to treat couples.

2

A Solid Connection

It may not be love at first sight, but you should definitely feel a connection with the counselor you choose. As Fox News magazine mentioned, you should feel comfortable talking with your therapist. You will be discussing some deeply personal issues with this person, and you should be able to open up without hesitation.

3

A Good Attitude

You made the decision to seek help from a therapist in an effort to save your relationship. Your therapist shouldn't begin your sessions encouraging you to break things off. As pointed out, your therapist should be the last person encouraging a divorce.

4

A Standard Of Ethics

Your therapist shouldn't be in the business of taking sides when listening to you and your partner hash out your issues. As Good Therapy mentioned, it's important to look for a counselor who will remain neutral throughout your therapy.

5

An Ability To Maintain Control

You and your partner will likely get into a few arguments through the course of your therapy. Part of a therapist's job is to let you work through your issues without letting things get out of hand. As US News & World Report mentioned, if your therapist allows your fights to get out of control, you should look elsewhere.