So your marriage is on the rocks and you called around some marriage counselors recommended in your area. Some of the best therapists in the city are charging between $ 150 - $ 250 per hour. You experience "sticker shock" over the cost. After doing the math, you realize you probably need months of therapy and would amount to a few thousand dollars. it really worth it? Yes it is, and here's why marriage therapy and couples can be so expensive:
- The therapist who specializes in marriage therapy has extensive training and cost that allows them to do this work. All these specialists have a minimum of a master's degree and many have a doctorate. These degrees require years of college. After this extensive training, therapists must make their clinical hours under the supervision they pay on a weekly basis for a minimum of two years. Most therapists choose additional training in a particular method of couples therapy. It is recommended that you ask about these credentials when choosing a marriage counselor. In short, marriage therapists are highly educated and highly skilled, and expertise are not, and should not be cheap.
- The insurance does not cover marriage therapy. Relationship problems and couples / marriage therapy does not have a "billable diagnostic code" for insurance. Some therapists will give a partner a diagnosis and bill for sessions under this client. You might be able to find a therapist willing to do, but again, he or she can be a general therapist and do not have specialized training in working with couples. Some therapists want to avoid ethical labeling you when the problem addressed is a relationship problem.
- Marriage counseling lasts longer than individual therapy. dynamic relationship is complex. Working with you both as a couple takes more time than individual therapy. The only evaluation process can take up to four sessions. You can also have waited too long to get help and the problems can be larger and more complex when you finally made the call to find a therapist.
- Marriage counselors have trouble with it. "50 minutes time" The sweet spot for the session of an effective pair seems to be around 75-0 minutes. Things are usually hit a turning around 50-60 minutes and stop at that point is a challenge. It is best to tie loose ends as much as possible in each session and this often requires more time with two people than it does with one.
Are there other options if you really can not afford it?
Remember, marriage therapy will always cost less than a divorce. If you are struggling financially, you may be able to find a "charge slip" therapist agency or community for less than a traditional wedding therapist. If you are near a university or training center, going to the clinic of this institution can be a viable solution as well, but expect to work with someone still under surveillance for their degree and / or a license. Note that the quality can vary with these selections, so make sure you ask the right questions to find out more about the specialized training of the therapist with couples and / or how he or she will be supervised.
workshop or groupA couples is often a lower-cost option. Highly recommended reading books all the self-help can also be beneficial. This may not work for couples with minor or less complicated problems. Do a workshop and reading self-help books can also potentially help shorten the time you must be in marriage therapy. It never hurts to ask a marriage therapist for a reduced rate. The worst that can be said is not. The next question is perhaps another therapist or resource, the therapist might recommend if their services are not yet affordable.
Although marriage therapy is expensive, it is absolutely worth it. If you are not sure it is good for you and your spouse, you still can both commit to a first visit or try "Expediency Council" to explore if the therapy is a good option for your relationship . Make the effort to find the best help you can afford or budgeting your money for this service is a smart idea. When you agree to counseling, give your full honest effort and you will find it wise investment your marriage.
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