How to Get Family Counseling

Therapy and counseling are widely recognized and appreciated as reliable tools that can enhance communication and save relationships. Whether your family simply needing to communicate better with each other, or get through a difficult family crisis, get family counseling to move past rougher times.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine that family and/or marriage counseling is the right step for you. Know that communication problems, infidelity, balancing the demands of home and work, misbehavior or school problems in a child, the loss of a family member, childhood traumas, conflicts in blended or remarriage families, step-parenting problems, family violence or substance abuse are all valid reasons to look into family counseling.
2. Remember that seeking counseling takes courage and a willingness to admit you need help. Find security knowing that you will be able to work with someone who can help you through this difficult time. Admitting you and your family need help is a big step, but it is one that will take you far while initiating healing.
3. Look into family counseling options in your area. Marriage and family counselors practice in a variety of settings, such as independent practice, community mental health agencies, managed care organizations, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and houses of worship. They may provide any of the following services: assessment and diagnosis, individual, couples, and family counseling prevention programs and parent education programs, crisis management or multi-couple or multi-family groups.
4. Ask trusted people in your life for referrals or suggestions. You may be surprised to learn of others who have faced similar problems and also sought the help of a counselor. You may feel more comfortable with the idea of counseling when you're referred by someone you know and trust.
5. Check out the credentials of a counselor you're considering. Family counselors should have at least a Master's Degree, be licensed as required by your state, and be certified by organizations such as the National Academy of Certified Family Therapists. Ask if the specific counselor has had experience working with your family's specific difficulties.
6. Ask about payment options provided by this counselor. Some accept health insurance while others do not.
7. Consider interviewing more than one counselor to find the best fit for your family. He or she should inform you about what to expect from counseling, inform you about their credentials and experience, discuss treatment methods and discuss fees and scheduling.
8. Arrange for your family's first group counseling session.