Anger Management Counseling & Support Groups Michigan

Finding The Right Michigan Therapist / Marriage Counselor
By Gail A. Linn, LPC
Grant Counseling Connection, Shelby Township, Michigan :

For most people, picking up the phone and calling prospective counselors is very scary and anxiety laden. As a counselor, my experience has been that potential clients only ask two questions: my fee and hours that I have appointments available. There is so much more to ask a counselor before you make a final choice. You can interview over the phone or many counselors offer a free initial consultation, giving you a chance to ask your questions and see if you are comfortable with the therapist.

No matter what the license or certification a therapist has, it is very important to know how much experience they have had and what they specialize in. If you need a marriage counselor, there is no sense seeing someone who specializes in substance abuse. Research has shown that most therapists need 8 years experience to master their trade.

Other important facts to gather:

What is the fee? Do they offer a sliding fee scale based on income? Note: Just about every insurance plan does not cover marriage/relationship counseling.

Location and hours of operation. Do they offer evenings and or weekend appointments to accommodate clients work schedules.

How long is each session? Generally, are clients seen once a week, every week, every other week, for 45, 50 or 60 minutes?

Are they available for emergencies? In an emergency, can you call between sessions? Note: Most therapists charge for a phone session that exceeds 15 minutes. Many times the therapist is able to schedule an emergency session.

Has the therapist ever been in counseling? It is very important that a therapist understands their own issues and areas that are troublesome for them. Having been in treatment themselves is very helpful in identifying problem areas, plus it also gives the therapist the experience of being a client.

It is important that you and the therapist are a good “fit”. Although the counselor is the “professional”, it is vital they use that professional stance to help you and to never hold it over your head.

If you are court ordered, will the therapist send the necessary reports to your probation officer?

Don't be shy about "interviewing" your potential therapist over the phone. Remember, you are the "client" and have the right to ask questions. Gathering information over the phone can be difficult, but a therapist who offers a free initial consultation will give you’re a chance to ask further questions and have a feel for how comfortable you are with them. At the same time, the counselor will be gathering information about you.

A good counselor will admit if your problem is not within their expertise and will refer you to someone who has more experience in your type of problem. At the same time, if the counselor feels you may need medication, they might refer you back to your family physician or to a psychiatrist.

It is important to keep in mind that therapy is more than problem solving. The relationship between you and the therapist is so important, it is essential you find someone who makes you feel comfortable, safe, understood, accepted and respected. Someone who values you as an individual and appreciates your uniqueness.

A good therapist gives you 100% of their attention and does not take phone calls or continually look at the clock during your session; you deserve the best possible therapy. Do not be afraid to switch therapists is the relationship is not working for you.

Grant Counseling Connection of Shelby Township works hard at building quality client-therapist relationships. Feel free to call our office at (586)260-5664 to set up a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION to see how our counselors can help you. The free initial consulation applies to individual and marriage counseling appointments.

Read more about Grant Counseling Connection owner, Gail A. Linn, or read about her Equine Assisted Therapy program here.

Do you need a marriage counseling? Read 13 ways to tell your relationship may be in trouble.