Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

There are several elements to consider when choosing a therapist. Family therapists who are Clinical Members of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) meet the educational, supervisory, training and licensure standards of the Association. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to provide the full range of mental health services. In addition to education and training, the therapist's level of specialty experience with the issue you're facing is essential. Most insurance providers reimburse for services provided by MFTs.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

The length of therapy depends on several factors, the three most important being; (a) the nature and severity of the problem; (b) the length of time the problem has existed, and (c) the client's level of motivation to resolve the issue. Relational therapy research shows couple and family therapy tends to be short-term. As a brief relational therapist, I see clients on an average of four to twelve weekly sessions.

Therapy concludes when the client's treatment goals are met. Typically, the client and therapist collaboratively determine the end of therapy. That said, the client has the right to set the pace, take a break, or end therapy at any time.