Congratulations on the decision to work with one of the many experienced and very professional premarital therapists in your city or area. This is a very positive choice for a couple of any age that are currently engaged or planning to become engaged and married in the future.
There are a few different issues that should be considered when narrowing down your choice of premarital therapists in your location. Depending on where you are located you may have only a handful of professionals to choose from or you may have thousands. With either option, consider the following factors when making your decision.
Professional Status
It is very important to verify the professional you are seeing is a licensed therapist. There are many different groups, agencies, churches and religious organizations that offer premarital classes or trainings.
This is not the same as seeing licensed premarital therapists. Therapists work with the couple one-on-one, working with the unique issues that couple faces. They have full professional training and licensure and are bound by the professional code of ethics. Other organizations may not use trained professionals and tend to offer more education programs that, while helpful, are not therapeutic in nature or scope.
Experience
Not all therapists, including those offering marriage and family services, provide pre-marriage therapy. Look specifically for a therapist with experience in working with couples before they are married.
These therapists will have a wider range of different approaches to helping you to learn more about the relationship and in building a solid foundation for your life together after marriage. Most premarital therapy professionals will also provide marriage counseling, so they have a good range of experience with couples in all stages of the relationship.
It is also a good idea to check online reviews or read the information provided on independent feedback sites that past clients have provided. This can be very helpful in finding a therapist you feel comfortable in talking with.
Location and Sessions
The location is important as you want to have a therapist that is convenient to get to and that offers sessions during hours you both can attend. Most therapists will provide more information on how they conduct their sessions at your first meeting, but make sure to check the website for appointment hours and other relevant information.
Take the time to talk to friends, family, coworkers and even your religious leader about a recommendation. This can be a great place to start in narrowing down your choice and finding a great therapist to help you start your marriage off right.
