Choosing the Right Couples Counselor in Texas
Starting couples therapy is a big step, and it's a meaningful one to strengthen your connection. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially in a big state like Texas—there are many options, but not every option is the right one, and not every approach will be the perfect fit for you. Many therapists are generalists, and some have more specialized training. When it comes to couples counseling, you want to find a therapist with the needed experience and training.
How Do You Choose the Right Couples Counselor in Texas?
When seeking a couples counselor, ask a few questions before deciding what will work best for you. Some counselors offer free consultations, and some don’t. If you want to learn more about them over video or the phone with a free consultation, it may be beneficial for you to choose someone who does free consultation; others will book directly on their website based on their experience, training, and bio. It is dependent on what you want, as there are options. At Sagebrush, we offer free consultations to ensure we are a good fit for you because the therapeutic relationship is built during counseling sessions; we will ask you some questions in the consult to see what you’re looking for and also open up to any questions you have. It is also a good time to go over scheduling, etc. Remember that free consultations are typically 10-20 minutes, not an intake or counseling session. It is not therapy, counseling, or a session and serves the purpose of reviewing how a practice works, scheduling, and answering any questions you or a couple may have. Some therapists do not offer this as they may find it more beneficial for the client to email to book if they feel they’d be a good fit. When looking for the best therapist for couples in Texas, find an experienced therapist and one you feel the most comfortable with.
What's Bothering You?
First up, have a sit-down with your partner. Yep, right at your kitchen table. What’s the real reason you’re looking into therapy? Miscommunications? Feeling distant? The more precise you are about what you want to fix, the better you can pick someone up for the task.
Deciphering Therapist “Speak”
Those letters after names—LMFT, LPC, PsyD—kind of matter, but they aren’t everything. Sure, they tell you your potential therapist passed their exams, but what about their real-world knack for handling fiery couple issues? Ask about their experience, specialties, and, yes, their favorite approaches. You want someone more than book-smart.
Test the Waters
You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a spin. The same goes for therapists. Most will meet with you for a free consultation. This is your chance to see if their vibe matches yours. Does the conversation flow? Do they make you feel at ease, or is it like pulling teeth? Trust your gut here—if it feels off, it probably is.
Location and Convenience
Now, don’t underestimate the power of convenience. You might skip sessions if their office is a pain to get to. Check if they offer virtual sessions—it could be a lifesaver if you juggle a hectic schedule.
Do they Offer Virtual Sessions?
Many therapists offer virtual counseling sessions. We do this at Sagebrush because our clients benefit from the flexibility and convenience. If you find the perfect therapist but their office is over an hour away, you can do a virtual session from your office or home. This makes therapy accessible for everyone, no matter where you live. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to reside in Texas, and all sessions must be done in Texas for virtual sessions.
Budget Talk
Alright, let’s talk about investment and budgets. Therapy is an investment, not just emotionally but financially. Clear the air about costs right up front. Do they take your insurance? Do they offer a sliding scale? Make sure you won’t stress over bills on top of everything else. You can also opt for bi-weekly (every other week) sessions if their price is higher or ask if they do a sliding scale. Even if they don’t, they can send over referrals to you of therapists that offer a sliding scale.
Commit to the Process
Therapy is not a quick fix. It’s more like slow-cooking a good stew. It takes time for all the flavors to meld. Please give it a few sessions before making any judgments. Change takes time, and the results are often worth the wait.
It's a Two-Person Gig
Remember, you’re in this together. Both of you need to be all in. A good therapist will help you build bridges, but you must be willing to cross them.
That’s about the size of it. Finding the right couples therapist is like finding the right dance partner—it might take a few tries, but once you find the right match, you’ll be ready to salsa like pros. Stick with it, and be patient as therapy is a process!
Schedule a Couples Session Today
If you’re ready to schedule a couples session at Sagebrush Counseling, we offer virtual couples counseling sessions in Texas. You can also schedule a free consultation to see if we’d be a good fit. Whether you’re seeking premarital counseling or infidelity counseling, we are here to help you and your partner. We look forward to hearing from you!
