The Relationship Dilemma by Pam Custers
Looking for Couples Counselling? Two important questions to ask!
Question:
So, you are experiencing some problems in your marriage and you have decided that it would be useful to have some couples counselling. This may be a turning point in your relationship. Deciding on who you are happy to work with and can trust is imperative. Finding a well trained and accredited therapist who has experience is key to the process being useful. Have you found yours?
Answer:
Therapists are trained to ask questions but here are some questions you need to ask. Is your therapist experienced and trained in couples counselling? Counsellors, sadly are not all made equal and the term is not protected. Couples counselling is a complex process and requires specialist training in order not to derail a relationship. Not all counsellors are trained specifically in relationship counselling. Ask the duration of the training (months or years) and whether it was general counselling or couples counselling. Relationship counselling takes several years and many hours of supervised training.
Is your counsellor accredited? This is not the same as a membership of an organisation. Membership is often just having a yearly subscription and registration to do a counselling course. The key is the word ‘accredited’ (“accred”) which indicates that a rigorous process of examination has been successfully completed and compliance with a range of ethical procedures is well and truly in place.
So, before you launch yourself into a process that can wither be the making or breaking of your most cherished relationship, ask these two vital questions. Is your potential therapist accredited and how long was the training specifically in couples/relationship counselling?
I welcome you contacting me to have this important conversation so that you can make the right decision which will impact so significantly on your future.
Pam Custers
Relationship Therapist
Pam Custers is an experienced therapist working with individuals, couples and families.
MA. BA(Pysch) Hons and is RELATE trained and MBACP (accredited)
Her practice works with individuals, couples and families. She has four highly trained and compassionate associates who currently offer sessions online.
Contact 07572 841 388 www.pamcusters.co.uk
Pam Custers & Associates. The Relationship Practice
