zig Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 So I've decided to see a marriage counselor. I really need someone to help me navigate through a difficult period in my life. It will be just me and not my wife (at least for now). She is going to a separate one for other things, marriage and personal. I've never been to one and have no idea what to expect. I would appreciate any advice on this as I want to take full advantage of this. Do I need to tell my life story or do they just asked questions or what? How should I be prepared for the first visit? Also, I haven't scheduled the appointment yet. Is it always guy/guy and girl/girl? I find it easier to talk to women and if my wife joins in later she may feel less intimidated. Also TBH 90% of my life issues involves women so should I be getting advice from a guy or girl? Link to post Share on other sites
Fletch Lives Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Good for you! While counselors are not God and can't wave a magic wand to fix everything immediately, good ones do know a lot that the general public does not know. A good one will want to analyze you, and yes, that means they need a lot of information. This could indeed include your childhood. Things can happen to people in their formative years that create patterns in their adult life, so yes, it's very important. Also, don't be afraid to get a second opinion from another counselor. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 before you go ask for their policy on insurance (i.e. do they take yours). also ask what is their policy on private pay if you don't have insurance. also ask if they take credit cards or ca$h only Link to post Share on other sites
Ellener Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 I've seen both male and female counsellors/psychologist/psychiatrists over the years for different situations, the sex made little difference to me- I was just talking to a 'professional person'- but I'd say it's how comfortable you are talking to which gender, so it's not a distraction. Do you prefer to see a male or female doctor or does it make no difference tells you that answer. Link to post Share on other sites
Ellener Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Oh and good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
Ruby Slippers Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 If you intuitively feel a female counselor would be a better fit, go with that. I've talked to a few counselors over the years, and for me (female), female counselors have been more helpful. I think psychology involves a certain degree of intuition about emotions, and women are generally better at that. You can relax. You only have to discuss what you want to. Counselors are trained to be sensitive and gentle. Also, the first person you talk to might not be the best. You'll have a good sense within 1-3 visits whether this person is a good fit for you. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
Author zig Posted February 21, 2020 Author Share Posted February 21, 2020 On 2/19/2020 at 2:16 PM, Ruby Slippers said: If you intuitively feel a female counselor would be a better fit, go with that. I've talked to a few counselors over the years, and for me (female), female counselors have been more helpful. I think psychology involves a certain degree of intuition about emotions, and women are generally better at that. Ok cool. My first meeting is tonight and she is female. In general I feel more comfortable opening up about my emotions to a female. Plus, the person I'm dealing with is a female (my wife) so I think that would be an advantage to get a female perspective on things. If I wanted to talk to a guy I could just call one of my friends and I already know what their advice would be... probably not too positive. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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