How to Find a Relationship Counselor

When you are experiencing a relationship crisis, professional intervention can help you get through your problems. One thing you don't need during this time of crisis is the problem of dealing with a person who has no idea of how to provide counsel in your situation. You can get a referral to a counselor from many different sources. Once you have located a counselor, make sure she is equipped to handle your needs. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is one of the organizations that establish credentialing requirements for professional therapists. By finding a therapist who is a member of AAMFT, you can ensure that you are getting the best of the best.

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of relationship counselor you need. For example, you can choose a "family therapist" for the entire family or a "marriage therapist" for a marriage gone bad. Whichever type of counselor you choose, be sure that he is a "specialist" in his field.

2. Consult with close friends and family members who have experienced relationship problems. If they sought counseling for their problems, ask for the name of the counselor that was used.

3. Contact the Human Resources department at your job. Many companies provide an "employee assistance program" that will sometimes include referrals for family counseling.

4. Visit a website, such as the ones that have been provided in the "Resources" section of this article. These sites will allow you to search for licensed counselors that are located in your geographical area. You can also search your local Yellow Pages in the "therapist" or "counseling" section.

5. Contact the relationship counselor via telephone for an initial consultation. Ask the counselor whether or not she is a member of AAMFT, her educational level, how many years she has been practicing and whether her services are covered under your insurance. Amongst her credentials should be a master's degree or higher and at least two years of supervised clinical practice. If she doesn't have credentials, find someone who does.

6. Set an appointment with the relationship counselor for your first therapy session. Attend the appointment with your marriage partner or other family members as scheduled.

References

• American Association For Marriage & Family Therapy
• How to Find a Marriage Counselor

Resources

• The National Directory of Marriage Friendly Therapists
• Therapist Locator
• The Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couples Education