The benefits of couples counseling can’t be overemphasized. In every stage of your life, your mental health should be your utmost concern, and this is even more important if you’re in a relationship.
Did you know that the US has the sixth highest divorce rate in the world, with 50% of marriages ending up in divorce? Unfortunately, most couples suffer in silence till they feel nothing can be done about their relationship. This is a reason why counseling should be considered.
As a black couple, finding a mental health professional with experience in black couples therapy can be such a relief. You can easily relate to a black therapist.
So, are you wondering how to find black couples counseling near you? Then, you’re in the right place. Continue reading to know all about it.
The Short Answer
In sum, here are some things to consider if you’re looking for black couples counseling close to you:
- Ask friends and family, social media, and online directories
- Understand the types of couple therapy available
- Consider things like purpose, license, and work ethics
And now, let’s examine each point in detail.
How to Find Black Couples Counseling Near You
Below are some excellent ways to find the right marriage counseling close by.
Recommendations From Friends and Family
Asking for recommendations from people you know is one of the safest and easiest ways to find the right black couples therapist. Your friends and family are more likely to give you honest reviews.
However, you should avoid discussing issues about your relationship with just any friend or family member. So, make sure the person is someone both you and your partner trust.
Social Media
Almost everyone with a smartphone is on social media. From Facebook to Instagram, billions are daily active on one social media platform or the other.
Any business that wants to attract more customers will take advantage of social media. So, you can search for black couples counseling services on social media. You can also check reviews other clients have given before making your choice.
Online Directories
There are several sites online that can help you find licensed black couples counseling near you. A quick search on Google will give you access to these sites. All you have to do is type your location and the counseling services you want.
Better still, turn on the GPS on your smartphone and type “black marriage counseling” in the Google search box.
Types of Couples Therapy
There are several approaches to marriage counseling, and knowing which to choose can help you achieve your goals. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This kind of therapy was initially designed to treat mental health conditions such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. However, it has also been used as a mental health treatment in couples therapy.
Under this approach, your therapist has to identify the individual thoughts you and your partner have about the issue that brought you to marriage counseling in the first place.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used to settle conflicts in your relationship and correct communication issues between you and your partner.
Discernment Counseling
This type of therapy or marriage counseling is ideal if your relationship is heading towards a breakup or a divorce. In discernment counseling, your therapist will help you go through all possible options before you and your partner settle for a breakup or a divorce.
It allows you and your partner to take a second look at the decision to terminate the relationship. If there’s a way to save it, your therapist will guide you through the process.
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Emotion-focused therapy involves both parties sharing events they find problematic in the relationship.
This type of therapy aims to strengthen the connection between couples by making the relationship feel emotionally safe.
Things can get heated when you go through emotion-focused therapy. This is because both parties are free to talk about emotions they would otherwise have hidden.
In the end, you’ll leave the marriage counseling with a relationship where you can freely open up to your partner without the fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Black Couples Counselor
If this is your first time considering the services of a counselor or a life coach, finding the right fit might be stressful.
However, if you know what to look out for, you’ll be able to find the perfect counselor. So, let’s take a look at some things to consider when deciding on a black couple’s counselor.
Purpose
Therapists are supposed to help you and your partner build a stronger relationship. However, you shouldn’t expect your therapist to know what the issues in your relationship are if you don’t open up.
You should know why you’re seeking couples counseling. This will help you know what to expect at the end of your therapy sessions.
Perhaps you want to improve intimacy with your partner, or you want to work on the lack of communication in your relationship.
So, before you settle on a black therapist, you should know what you’re looking for. It will help you find the right therapist that’s best suited to meet your needs.
License
There are various types of therapists out there. However, not all mental health professionals are trained to give couples counseling.
Knowing the licenses and certification your counselor has assures you that you’re talking to a professional who will guarantee the best results. Also, the counselor or therapist should be licensed to operate in your state.
Moreover, counselors and therapists go through a series of education and training to ensure that they’re equipped to handle various cases.
If any therapist is reluctant to provide their licenses and credentials, you should doubt their professionalism.
Work Ethics
One of the reasons why couples refuse to go for marriage counseling is because they don’t want to share intimate details about their relationship with someone they don’t know.
A good counselor with proper ethics knows the importance of keeping the details of your therapy sessions confidential.
So before visiting a therapist, find out about their ethics. If they have a website, you can also check reviews other clients have given.
Cost
Going for couples therapy is necessary; however, it shouldn’t drain your finances. What you should do is get at least three potential counselors and compare their rates.
Most therapists usually charge per hour, so sit down with your partner and calculate how much you’ll be paying for a week, then a month. If it’s way beyond your budget, look for a more affordable therapist.
Factors such as specialization, location, and experience will affect how much each therapist will charge. Consider these too when you’re making your decision.
Last Words
Whether you’re having issues with your marriage or need premarital counseling, seeing a counselor can help.
If you’re a black couple, having access to African American marriage counseling can ease a bit of the tension that comes with opening up to a stranger.
You can also opt for black marriage counseling online. Thankfully, there are several online counseling services that’ll connect you to an African American counselor.