If you’ve tried to work on your marriage on your own and nothing seems to be changing, you’re not alone. There’s a reason why marriage counseling has become increasingly popular.

So much so that it usually isn’t difficult to find a marriage counselor nearby—no matter where you live.

Counseling doesn’t have to be the last resort for your relationship. If you’re struggling with communication, going through a difficult time, or just want to rejuvenate your relationship, marriage counseling can help.

But, with so many counselors available, how can you find counseling near you that’s trustworthy and reputable?

Start With the Basics

The Internet makes it easy to find nearby marriage counselors. With a simple search, you can bring up everyone available within a 50-mile radius in a matter of seconds.

While that can be a good thing, it can also be overwhelming.

Finding someone to work with isn’t as simple as clicking the first name that shows up.

If there are multiple marriage counselors near you, start by choosing 5-10 that initially stand out. That will make it much easier to narrow down your list and feel confident in your final decision.

It shouldn’t be something you do on your own, either. You and your spouse should be together in the decision-making process, and that includes selecting a few counselors to start with.

Do Your Research

Once you have a few names, you can start digging deeper. Again, the Internet makes this easy, but it’s up to you to decide what’s important.

Before you start researching what different counselors have to offer, consider what it is you really want/need. You can ask your spouse the same thing, so you’re on the same page when it comes to choosing the right counselor.

Basic research starts with qualifications. Most counselors are happy to list their certifications and accomplishments on their websites. Those accomplishments can speak to a counselor’s experience and expertise, boosting your confidence in your selection.

But that’s only half of what you should be digging into for each counselor.

Your research should include looking at different modalities and approaches. There might be multiple marriage counselors nearby, but they likely don’t all work with people the same way. Take a look at their specialties and how they plan to move things forward with their patients. Chances are, you’ll see a few that stand out to you very quickly.

Shop Around

One of the great things about looking at local marriage counselors is that you can “test drive” a few.

It’s okay to make an appointment or initial consultation with multiple counselors. It’s a wonderful way to see whether you connect with that individual, or if you’re on board with what their plan for your marriage might be.

Does that actually matter? Of course. If you don’t feel comfortable with a counselor, you’re less likely to open up and show vulnerability. Your spouse might pick up on that as well, so neither one of you will get as much out of the experience as you should.

If you don’t feel comfortable with a counselor, don’t be afraid to move on. If you don’t think you’ll succeed with their plan or modalities, that’s okay.

The one thing marriage counseling shouldn’t be is an obligation. It needs to be something you and your spouse are both on board with. That includes finding a counselor you truly believe will help you—not just someone conveniently nearby.

If you’re looking for marriage counseling near you, feel free to utilize our search engine. It’s completely free and we will do our best to connect you with a couples therapist that is ready to help you have the best possible relationship.  Click here to be directed to conduct a search for a couples therapist near you.