Common_Questions

Q: How many counseling sessions will it take to repair our marriage or relationship?
A: Because every marriage is different, and the degree of distress varies by couple, there is no simple answer to this question. Generally, the number of
marriage counseling sessions that couples will attend before experiencing significant relief from marital distress will range between 8 and 20 sessions.
As you might expect, there is no “quick-fix” in the quest to achieve change. However, by session 4 or 5 many couples do report having a better
understanding of each other and what feeds the pattern of their distress. Having this knowledge alone gives much hope to a marriage that has suffered
ongoing conflict and years of despair.

Q: How frequently should we plan to attend marriage counseling?
A: Most couples choose to attend marriage counseling on a weekly basis. In more fragile relationships however, couples might find twice-weekly
appointments more helpful. As couples begin to feel more confident with managing their marriage outside of counseling, sessions are scheduled less
frequently.

Q: What if my spouse will not agree to participating in marriage counseling, should I come alone?
A: There are many reasons why your spouse might be reluctant to attend. For example, he/she may fear they'll be blamed for the role they play in
contributing to the current state of your marriage. Further, they may fear having to face some very powerful and overwhelming emotions. If your spouse
is firm about not attending then YES, consider the benefits of professional support and counseling for yourself.

Q: We simply want to learn better communication, is marriage counseling right for us?
A: Marriage counseling is absolutely ideal for couples who want to learn better methods of communication, create a deeper connection, and want the
most from their partnership. Unfortunately, in many cases, couples wait too long before seeking out marriage help and the support of a professional
marriage counselor and find they have to work much harder to resolve and overcome their differences. As the couple's divide deepens over time it may
lesson the best chances for recovery.

Q: Do you accept insurance as a form of payment for marriage counseling?
A: Regardless of your benefits and coverage, fees for are expected to be paid in full at the time services are rendered. If you choose to file
independently for a reimbursement with your health care provider a receipt documenting all necessary information will be provided upon request.

10 Questions to Consider when Choosing A Therapist:

Whether you get a referral or recommendation for a therapist from your primary care doctor, a friend, or your insurance company, finding out about
his/her background and training can help you feel comfortable with your choice. Here are some questions to ask before settling on a therapist:

1. What's your training? What certification, credentials or degrees do you hold?
2. How long have you worked in this field?
3. What kinds of treatment or therapy do you think might help me?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches?
5. How does the treatment work?
6. What are the chances that treatment will work?
7. How soon should I/we start feeling better about our relationship?
8. How will we assess my progress?
9. What should I/we do if I don't feel better about our relationship?
10. How much will treatment cost?

It's hard for a therapist to give precise answers to some of these questions, because no single therapist or type of treatment is best for everyone. But
there are some general responses you should be looking for. The therapist should have formal training and certification, or be on the way to getting it.
There's a tendency for mental health professionals to offer the particular type of psychotherapy that they do best. It's good if the person can describe
the merits and drawbacks of different types of treatment, including ones they don't do.

The therapist should also let you know how he or she will monitor your progress. If you don't feel there's been improvement after several months,
consider getting a second opinion.