looking for

how can you know if the therapist you choose has any real skills or expertise in couples therapy?

In person counseling: Look for titles such as LCSW, MFT, Ph.D, MD and Psy.D next to someones title. While each of these certifications are different, they let you know that this individual has received proper training and accreditation to be a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Marriage retreats or group sessions that are designed or run by accredited individuals are also a good bet. Check out reviews from previous clients or participants as well to get a sense of how other couples have benefited from these services.

At the same time, credentials arent everything. Sadly, there are some bad apples out there. Also, there are many different approaches to couples therapy and each couple may find that a different approach works best for them. Read our guide to picking a good couples counselor to make sure that your therapists methods are working. And if one counselor or program isnt working for you, dont hesitate to move on until you find the right fit that helps your marriage.