Did you know that the divorce rate is 2.7 per 1000 people? That is because marriage is a venture full of hardships and struggles. However, those who marry understand that keeping a relationship alive and healthy takes time and effort.

That is why marriage counseling is so popular.

Many people would like to avoid divorcing their significant other, so they turn to a therapist for help. But picking a marriage counselor is can a daunting task. Keep reading our guide for the top five factors to consider to enhance your marriage counseling experience.

1. Picking a Marriage Counselor Together

The first factor to consider is whether your marriage counselor has experience. Many people prefer to partake in different styles of marriage therapy.

For instance, some couples like to participate in short-term therapy sessions. That means you only go to counseling for about twelve visits. That isn’t very long, so you want a therapist with experience to fill that time with credible information and helpful resources.

No matter how many times you go to therapy with your partner, you still want a counselor who has been practicing for a few years. That gives them a lot of background in the field.

2. Do You Both Like the Therapist?

The marriage counseling experience should be enjoyable for both you and your partner. It won’t work if only one of you likes the therapist. Therefore, you should sit down with your significant other and discuss what qualities both of you want in a marriage helper.

3. Are You On the Same Page?

Your counselor should hold to the same standards as you do about marriage. If they view marriage one way while you view it another, then those opposing sides will clash.

Before choosing a counselor for common marriage issues, go ahead and check references and reviews. See what others have to say about the counselor. That way, you can get a good idea of their stance on marriage.

4. Do They Have Specializations?

There are countless reasons to visit a therapist for marital problems. If you have a particular issue like a cheating or unresponsive partner, you might want a therapist specializing in those areas.

When doing research, feel free to call a counselor’s office and ask them if they specialize in an area that fits your needs.

5. Are They Unbiased?

One issue with counselors is that they become biased toward one partner over the other. Some are biased toward men and others toward women.

That does not provide for a healthy atmosphere.

When looking at options for counselors, you must find one who is unbiased. After all, the best form of counseling is one in which both parties feel heard and understood.

Don’t Hesitate: There’s Help Available

As you can tell, there are multiple factors to consider when picking a marriage counselor. You want to ensure that both you and your partner like the therapist. The therapist should also have experience in marriage counseling so that you get the best help possible.

If you would like to read more helpful relationship material, continue reading the rest of our blog.