8 Couple Therapist Must-Haves (Note: this is not an exhaustive list) (2 minute read)
Many people aren’t aware that there can be significant differences between individual therapists and those trained in couples and family therapy. Taking time to do your homework can make a meaningful difference in your experience and outcomes.
Before scheduling your first session, look into a therapist’s training and background. Not all therapists are equally equipped to work with relationship dynamics. Consider reaching out for a brief consultation and asking how they would approach your specific concerns.
It’s also important to ask whether they have direct experience working with issues similar to yours. Some therapists may accept a wide range of cases, even when a particular problem falls outside their primary area of expertise.
Being an informed consumer helps you find a therapist who is truly qualified to support your relationship.
Below is a list of 8 Couple Therapist Must-Haves:
Formal training in Couples Therapy (CT)
Experience conducting CT recorded sessions that were reviewed by a qualified supervisor
Knowledge of postpartum depression/stress, including how it impacts both partners and the relationship
Understanding aging, hormonal changes, and menopause, and their relational effects
Background in family therapy, with insight into parenting dynamics, co-parenting challenges, and in-law relationships
Comfort and competence in discussing sexual intimacy, with the ability to address sensitive topics openly and without judgment
Ability to evoke and work with emotions from both partners in a productive, safe manner
Maintains neutrality much of the time, avoiding taking sides, and conceptualizes the relationship itself as the client rather than either individual