Here are some questions to ask before
scheduling your first appointment
What is your degree? Look for at least a masters degree in social work,
counseling or psychology.
Are you certified or licensed? Your
therapist should be certified or licensed by the state or agency that regulates
his or her profession.
What is your training? Look for specialized training
in relationship work. Couples therapy is much different than individual or
family work. A well trained relationship therapist should be able to name at least one recent training they have attended or one theorist or researcher that informs their work.
What is your theoretical orientation? Most good therapists have a
framework that guides how they practice. Marriage therapy is an entity of
it's own but a marriage therapist with a psychoanalytic orientation will work
much differently than one with a behavioral orientation. Ask questions and do
research if you are unfamiliar with the terms your counselor uses.
What is your philosophy? Differing philosophies
aren't always a negative thing. A good therapist should help you arrive at the
best solution for you, what ever their philosophy is. If you are coming for
marriage counseling you might ask their opinion about the acceptability of
divorce, if they think a marriage can be saved after infidelity etc. It is also reasonable to inquire about how your therapist
might deal with or incorporate your particular religious or cultural
differences.
What is your level of experience? Your
counselor should have at least two years of supervised counseling experience. Five years is
required by some agencies. Find out how much experience they have working with
couples. Relationship work is very different than individual work. A great
individual therapist may not excel at relationship therapy.
What are your fees? What insurance plan do you
accept? Discuss this before scheduling an appointment. Some
professionals will offer a sliding scale of fees to accommodate those who do not
have insurance or cannot afford full fees. Some insurance plans will not pay for
relationship counseling so check first.
Find out about other office locations, office hours, and if they have
an emergency pager.
Copyright ©2004 Laura D. Hudson.
L.C.S.W.
All rights reserved.
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