marriage counseling
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marriage counseling
| Thu, 10-07-2004 - 10:10am |
hi all....
i was wondering if someone could give me some tips in selecting a marriage counselor. my husband is very reluctant to go and i want to make sure i choose someone we're compatible with. Is it normal to interview therapists over the phone before we meet with them? Are there any standard questions i should ask when i call? i really want this to work out and i know that if we go to more than 1 or 2 therapists he won't want to go anymore...I'd appreciate any advice you could give me....thanks.

I would ask if you can come (make an appointment) and see the doctor on your own. That way you can discuss things before your husband is there. Tell the doctor your marriage problems, tell him that your spouse isn't too excited about counseling. While you are there face to face you will be able to tell if you are comfortable and if the doctor is laid back or not. You should also know your husband well enough to know if he would like him,too.
Perhaps ask what the average length of time patients come in and see him - like most couples see him for 6 months or a year.
Ask if he has certain books/reading that he would recommend. Then go and check some of it out and see if you agree with the ideas.
Ask about success rate - some doctors may not keep track of it - but some may.
Ask how he feels about divorce.. if you want divorce to be the last possible option - let him know that.
There are some doctors who will want to explore the past, others will want to focus on behavior - how to prevent future problems. Usually they will do a little of both, but I would ask if he had to classify himself, what would he say.
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Carrie