You and your significant other have deep feelings for each other, but those feelings come with a lot of baggage. And it’s baggage you haven’t figured out how to unpack.
Yet.
The reality is, couples counseling can help you to address your relationship problems. As a matter of fact, research shows that relationship counseling is at least 75% effective today.
The question is, how do you find the right couples therapist near you in Orange County, California?
Here’s a rundown on how to find the best couples counseling in your area and how they can help you and your partner.
Let’s jump in!
Referral to a Couples Therapist
One of the best ways to find a couples counseling provider is to seek a mental health professional referral from a doctor.
Note that the therapist you’re referred to may not specialize in pre-marriage, marriage, or family counseling. In this situation, you may want to ask the therapist to recommend a quality counselor with experience supporting couples.
Couples Counseling Online Research
You may also be able to find a couples counselor through an online search engine search or social media platform search. Look specifically for counselors in Orange County who are the ideal distance from your home or workplace.
Keep in mind, though, that not all Orange County counselors are equal.
Some may appear to be enthusiastic online. However, they may not be very understanding, personable, and supportive during sessions. For this reason, it is critical that you carefully assess the reviews and ratings they have received from past clients.
For instance, choose a couples therapist who has earned praise for mending turbulent relationships. This can be done by addressing feelings of anger, isolation, and disconnection. In addition, look for client testimonials pointing to a counselor’s ability to resolve destructive communication problems.
All in all, the therapist you choose should have a track record of bringing distant couples back together. They should eventually feel as though they are true partners and teammates, not enemies.
Also, choose a counselor who has been recognized for creating a warm and safe zone for their clients. This is an absolute must for promoting your personal growth. It will also help you to build a lasting and secure bond with your significant other.
Credentials
Client reviews aren’t the only thing you should pore over to choose a marriage counsellor. You should also take a close look at your target therapist’s credentials.
First, choose a counselor who has years of industry experience — ideally, at least a couple of decades worth. The more experience they have, the easier it will be for them to help you and your significant other to change patterns in your relationship. This is necessary to finally generate relational harmony and intimacy.
Graduate education is another important pre-requisite for excelling as a counselor. For this reason, choose a counselor who has at least a master’s degree. Their area of study should be family and marriage counseling or clinical psychology, for example.
The best couples therapists also have industry certifications, such as certification in a tool called Prepare/Enrich. This assessment tool is used for gathering information about how two partners feel about the relationship. It can also provide insight into both parties’ relationship goals.
Finally, look for a counselor with reputable professional affiliations. For instance, choose one who is affiliated with the CAMFT.
Emotionally Focused Counseling
Also, make sure that your chosen therapist practices couples therapy that is emotionally focused. This evidence-based therapy will teach you how to reshape your relationship with the other party. This is possible by being emotionally open, responsive, and attuned to one another.
Emotionally focused counseling is particularly invaluable if you and your partner find yourself in any of the following situations:
- Depression is impacting your relationship
- Either party is a sexual abuse survivor
- Either party is a veteran who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder
- You or your partner are generally dissatisfied with your relationship
- You or the other party are battling sexual dissatisfaction
- Communication is a problem in the relationship
Therapy that focuses on your emotions can also be helpful if you are dealing with health problems in your relationship. Such problems may range from cardiovascular disease to end-stage or early-stage cancer. They may also include a child’s chronic illness.
Don’t Let Convenience Be the Main Factor in Your Choice
As you search for a couples counselor near you in Orange County, keep in mind that the counselor who is the closest to you might not necessarily be the best therapist for you.
Be willing to go the distance for the right counselor. After all, a competent and empathetic therapist can change your relationship’s trajectory if you’re dealing with a real crisis in your relationship.
How We Can Help to Meet Your Need for Couples Counseling
At In touch Counseling, we take pride in offering quality relationship counseling.
Our couples counseling can help you and your partner if you struggle with anxiety and depression. Likewise, we support those struggling with frequent arguments or infidelity.
We will work with you to de-escalate any conflict you’re having with the other party. We will also help you to forge a fresh bond. We can do this simply by altering how you communicate with one another.
We will then use your new communication method to revisit old issues and find new solutions to these problems.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help to heal and restore your relationship in the weeks and months ahead.
