How do I find a good marriage counselor?

Question

I live in a small county and the odds of running into someone I, or my wife, knows is too high for comfort. And I hate those therapists that tell you to go home and make a list. There isn't going to be a list of why I love my wife 'cause right now we're too miserable to see anything good about each other.

Answer 1

Found this on the internet for you.

How do you choose a marriage counselor?
Take care when choosing a marriage counselor or therapist. Not all are licensed or certified, or have specialized training in couples counseling.

Look for a marriage counselor who is indeed a licensed mental health professional. Many marriage counselors are designated as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). Although different states have different licensing or credentialing requirements, most require advanced training, including a master’s or doctoral degree, graduate training in marriage and family therapy, and training under the supervision of other experts. Many marriage and family therapists opt to become credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which sets specific eligibility criteria.

Most marriage counselors work in private practice. They may also work in clinics, mental health centers, hospitals and government agencies.

How do you find a marriage counselor who's right for you? The same way you'd find a psychiatrist, psychologist or other therapist: Ask lots of questions. Among them:

Are you a clinical member of the AAMFT or licensed by the state, or both?
What is your educational and training background?
What is your experience with my type of problem?
How much do you charge?
Are your services covered by my health insurance?
Where is your office, and what are your hours?
How long is each session?
How often are sessions scheduled?
How many sessions should I expect to have?
What is your policy on canceled sessions?
How can I contact you if I have an emergency?
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a marriage counselor. Family and friends also may give you recommendations based on their experiences. Your health insurer, employee assistance program, clergy, or state or local agencies also may offer recommendations.

Answer 2

I thought your question was about a good counselor, not your fear of your peers knowing your business. You know what I would say if someone had a problem with it? I'd look them square in the eyes and say," I make no apologies for the fact that I am imperfect. I am learning valuable anti-divorce skills. How about you?" Then hold your head high, your wife's hand and kiss her on the mouth and walk away. Marriages that work are the ones where the married people work at it. My ex gave up at working at it. Please don't give up on your marriage.

Answer 3

This ebook might help you to understand what's wrong in your relationship and It also teaches what to do to try saving your marriage http://savemarriage.toptips.org
It helped me alot!

Answer 4

Here's a web site: http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/ppc/prof_search.php?iorb=4764
You can write and ask them if they ask you to make a list.