How to Get Online Marriage Counseling

Many couples who seek marriage counseling opt for a new approach. Etherapy, or online marriage counseling, may be a viable approach to help save a marriage, but it is not a substitute for psychotherapy. A counselor will "talk" to you via the Internet through email, chat, video or Internet phone and offer advice and support to couples.

Instructions

1. Determine why you are in need of marriage counseling, and make a list of issues you believe may be helped by counseling. Also, determine what you would like to gain from your online marriage counseling so you can communicate these goals to your counselor.

2. Look at the credentials of each counselor and understand what the letters mean. The National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling lists each abbreviation and its meaning. This website also lists online marriage counselors, as does eTherapistOnline (see Resources below).

3. Check the fees, and choose one that fits into your budget. Some online counselors will work with you on the length, frequency and type of counseling sessions to help work within your monetary comfort zone. Some online counselors will adjust their fees according to your income.

4. Read the profiles of prospective etherapists, and narrow it down to a few.

5. Ask for an initial consultation, which are usually free. This way, you can see if you have a good connection with your online marriage counselor.

Resources

• The National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling.
• eTherapistsOnline.