Things to Consider When Choosing a Family Therapist
Family therapy can be extremely beneficial when trying to work on and build stronger relationships with family members like your partner, children, or other relatives. It can be especially helpful when a family is trying to navigate big changes like moving somewhere, going through financial troubles, or in case of mental illness or grief in the family. Ultimately, family therapy can be a great way to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within your family.
To accomplish those objectives, it’s important to choose a therapist who is a good fit for you and your family. So, here are several things to consider when choosing a family therapist and some of the topics you might want to ask about:
Experience and Qualifications
The first and often most important thing to consider is a therapist’s education, training, and experience. Ask them about their licensing and certification. You also want to ask them about their experience dealing with similar families. For example, if you want family therapy for certain family members with addiction, ask the therapist if they have previously helped families with similar problems.
Philosophy, Personality, and Approach
Different therapists have different philosophies and approaches to family therapy. You can ask the therapist about their philosophy and approach during your initial consultation. Just as you would with any other type of therapist, it’s important to feel comfortable. Ask about their therapeutic perspective…some therapists use a more traditional approach, while others use a more holistic or creative approach. Still, others take a more eclectic approach, using a variety of techniques. It’s important to find a therapist who uses an approach and has a presence that you’re comfortable with and that you think will be helpful for your family.
Fees and Other Financial Information
Family therapy can be expensive, so it’s important to find a therapist who is within your budget. Ask about the therapist’s fees, if your insurance covers their services, and whether they offer a sliding scale if needed. If they do accept your insurance, what is the copay? Other important financial questions include whether you must pay for sessions upfront and what happens if you cancel a session?
Location, and Session Expectations
And finally, you may want to choose a therapist close to your home/office and one that is flexible in a variety of attendance situations. For example, do they offer online access in case a family member cannot attend an in-person session? Are they willing to reschedule sessions without a fee if you need to cancel one in an emergency? What days of the week are they usually available, and are there morning, evening, or weekend options? What about the frequency and length of each session? How many will there be total? Keep in mind that each family is unique, and the therapist will likely develop an individualized approach to your situation…still, they may have some basic guidelines for how they approach the process.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. If possible, consider interviewing a few different therapists before making a decision. This will give you a chance to get to know them and see if they’re a good fit for your family. Choosing a family therapist is an important decision. By taking the time to find a therapist who is a good fit for your family, you can increase the chances that therapy will be successful.
Matthew A. Webster, MA, MS, ED.D, LPC
Martin Counseling, PLLC in Katy, TX.
Dr. Matt Webster is a professional educator, nutritionist, and therapist located in the Houston, Texas area. He specializes in couples therapy, sexuality, and maladaptive eating patterns with a focus on the role of nutrition. More About Matt >>
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