Who Should I Choose as a Marriage Counselor?
Erik Mildes
Taking the step to seek counsel in your marriage is wise and you should feel no sense of shame or embarrassment for seeking out this option. People seek counsel in every other important facet of life, from law to investments to career to education, and your marriage is an extremely important relationship that cannot be neglected if it is going to thrive. Before you start making phone calls, it would be a good idea to sit down, either together or separately, and think seriously about what your expectations are and what you want to get out of the counseling process. It’s important to have a clear idea as to why you are seeking outside assistance because you will want to clearly communicate your needs and goals to prospective counselors.
The Benefit of Wise Counsel
Wise counsel can be difficult to find and your marriage is far too important to talk about with just anyone. Counselors are human beings just like you, and so as you enter into that relationship you will want to choose someone with whom you feel compatible, and who will understand your life circumstance or situation and be able to offer guidance. Make sure that the person you choose to help navigate through your marital issues understands your need for confidentiality, as well as the magnitude of the issues you and your spouse are facing. Your pastor may be helpful in directing you towards people who can help nurture you and your spouse in your marriage, such as a mature couple, a trained lay pastor through the church, or even a professional Christian counselor.
Discover the Potential of Your Marriage
A professional counselor will provide you with the opportunity to step into the true potential of your relationship, as well as set you on the course for continued growth in later years. One of the primary benefits of seeking help from a professional counselor is that they can give you a fresh, unbiased perspective on your marital relationship that people who are close to you might not be able to see. They are trained to recognize the root of problems and guide marriage partners to confront their own hearts in order to bring about true change. They also provide a chance for you and your spouse to address imminent problems, crises or concerns, and to prevent further devastation or negative consequences by directing you both individually and as a couple to overcoming obstacles and nurturing positive growth. Once a foundation for development in your marriage has been established, seeking a mature and trusted couple to mentor you and your spouse is an extremely beneficial next step.