Today, more than 50,000 marriage and family counselors are offering their services in the United States. According to recent studies, nearly 99% of clients who have gone through family counseling report a positive response.
It’s not always easy to keep a family unit running smoothly. More counselors are becoming available with mental health becoming more accepted and understood. However, finding the right counselor is essential to get the best outcome from counseling sessions.
Here are five common mistakes people make when selecting a family counselor, so if you need help choosing one, keep reading.
1. Being Unclear About Your Needs
One of the most avoidable mistakes people make when looking for a certified family counselor is not saying precisely what they need.
To get the most from your family therapy sessions, it’s essential to know what you’re trying to achieve with therapy and to relay this clearly to your counselor. If you don’t, you risk losing out on all the benefits of family counseling.
2. Ignoring Quality
Everyone has a busy agenda these days, often leading to us picking convenience over quality. If you have too much to do in a day, you can make the mistake of selecting a family counselor solely on their location rather than one who can give you what you need from therapy.
To avoid this, when scheduling counseling sessions, consider shuffling your schedule around, postponing, or canceling plans if your counselor requires some travel.
3. Dismissing Red Flags
Sometimes we need to trust our gut, and if you feel your counselor isn’t giving you what you’re looking for in your family sessions, it’s wise to try a new one. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find someone you can connect with and trust.
If your counselor isn’t matching your energy, it could be a red flag that they’re not a good fit. To avoid this, trust your gut but give them a try before making a final decision.
4. Waiting for an Emergency
Despite the increasing number of counselors across the US, in some areas, it can be challenging to find an open appointment without putting your family on a lengthy waiting list in some areas. As such, waiting until your family is in a crisis is a mistake you can easily avoid.
Don’t think you need to be going through heavy hardships before you can reach out for help. Instead, reach out for help as soon as you see problems arising in your family that require professional guidance.
5. Paying Out of Pocket
Finally, you may be making a costly error if you pay entirely out of pocket for your family counseling sessions.
Some counselors can be expensive, so you want to ensure you’ve consulted your insurance to see what, if anything, they cover. That way, you potentially avoid paying full price.
Select a Family Counselor That Works for Your Family
Selecting a family counselor that fits with your family is essential if you want to have a good chance of success.
Remember that it may take a few tries to choose the right counselor, so don’t make the mistake of giving up right as you’ve started. Additionally, check your insurance policy to avoid paying more than you have to.
If your child needs counseling, we can help, so contact us today. We want to help you and your family become better, happier, and more fulfilled, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
