How to Shop for a Counselor
Couples counseling is quite different from many other services that a consumer might seek. While an automobile repair is pretty straightforward, a counseling experience is not. A couple looking for help will encounter a variety of approaches as they contact different therapists. Or possibly a therapist who has not received specialized, couples therapy training and is flying by the seat of his or her pants. A well-intended provider is not enough.
This presents a real challenge for clients who often don't know the right questions to ask, let alone the differences between the major couples theories. I have presented some questions for couples seeking the help of a professional:
What theory or model do you use in couples counseling?
What post-graduate training have you received in couples counseling?
Can you summarize what it is you do to help couples overcome distress?
Additional research can be done on-line about the different theories described by therapists. You can even see masters at work in youtube videos. And given that picking a counselor is a major decision, it's helpful if a provider is willing to offer a phone consultation so clients can get a feel for his or her style and ask questions. I feel this is something all providers should be willing to do.
Jason Trowbridge, therapist in Davis California