Is your relationship suffering due to challenges? Whether they are related to differing parenting goals or differences of opinions in other major matters, marriage counseling can help you get back on track. How? It will provide you with effective tools to make your relationship better and healthier with time. But what type of marriage counseling therapist will be the best for your case? Let’s find out.
What is the purpose of going to a Marriage Therapist?
Is your marital relationship suffering from problems? Or do you want to make it stronger? A marriage therapist can help. Whatever problems are there in your bond, you will get all the answers after meeting a therapist.
Today, you can go for marriage counseling and meet your Christian therapist online and offline. If you feel shy away meeting counselors in person and discussing your marital life, virtual sessions can give you a safe space.
Types of therapists available for marriage counseling
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Best for
Are you looking for specialized marriage counseling? LMFT is for you.
If you want a counselor trained in marriage and family counseling particularly, you can meet an LMFT. They will focus on your marital dynamics. Ultimately, they will help you understand patterns of conflict and head towards healthier communication between you two.
Licensed Professional Counselor or Mental Health Counselor
Best for
Are you suffering from emotional baggage in your marriage? An LPC or LMHC can help.
They offer counseling for a variety of problems. You can seek help for almost everything from anxiety, depression, and trauma, to other major relationship issues.
But remember professional and mental health counseling is not exclusively about marriage therapy.
Are mental health challenges affecting your bond? It is a good choice to go for an LPC or LMHC.
Clinical Psychologist
Best for
Are you facing deep-seated psychological issues or long-standing conflicts since time? Go to a clinical psychologist.
Pastoral or Christian Therapist Online or Offline
Best for
Are you a Christian couple who wants faith-based guidance? Go for Christian premarital counseling.
In Christian couple counseling in White Bear Lake, you will get religious and spiritual guidance during therapy. The pastoral or Christian therapists providing counseling are often trained in both psychology and theology. Hence, you will get support aligning with your religious values.
If faith is an integral part of your marriage, go to a pastoral counselor. They will address your marital conflicts within the context of your religious beliefs.
Social Worker (LCSW)
They can help couples with relationship problems while also considering the negative impact of external stressors.
Sex Therapist
Best for
Is your marriage suffering from intimacy issues or sexual dysfunction? A licensed sex therapist can help you better.
Which therapist is the best for your marital issues?
Now, the question ends up as to which therapist is perfect for your situation. Should you go for online Christian marriage counseling or to a sex therapist?
Let’s have a look at the factors you should consider before choosing a therapist:
Identify your relationship challenges
What is your marriage mainly suffering from? Do you have different opinions and how to raise your children or is it mainly about physical intimacy? Define that first by sitting with your partner. Once you get to know, choosing a therapist becomes easier.
Consider the approach of the therapist
After the main relationship challenge, it is also about understanding the approach the counselor uses for your issues. Do you want the teachings of the Bible to be included in the therapy session? Then you can go to a therapist offering Christian premarital counseling.
Check credentials and experience
You also need to consider the credentials and experience of the therapist you go with. Ask them about their certifications, training, and the experience they have helping couples.
Take recommendations and reviews
You can also ask your friends and family to know which is the best counselor in your area. Online reviews and testimonials can also give a sense of the therapist’s effectiveness.
Assess compatibility
Qualifications of the counselor matter, but it is also about their personality and communication style. Does it resonate with you? Do you and your partner feel comfortable discussing personal issues in front of them?
Many counselors offer short, free, initial consultations. You can take them and find out if that particular counselor will work for you or not.
Consider practical factors
Practicality is also very important. You just can’t only flow with emotions and go with any counselor you find. No! Consider the location first. Is the clinic of the therapist near to you? If not, you can meet your Christian therapist online as well. Virtual sessions are also available at many places. Then, the factor of availability is also important. Are you and your counselor open to communicating at the same time? And in the end, what about the charges? Is the counseling process going as per your budget?
Conclusion
Finding the best therapist is all about the major root cause of problems in your marriage. Find that out. Discuss with your partner. You will surely find the most suitable marriage counselor for your case.
