Are you and your partner feeling distant or frustrated in your relationship? Do you feel you’re your communication is getting you nowhere? Are you walking away from conversations feeling unloved or unheard? Couples therapy can help you and your partner learn to communicate more effectively, identify patterns of behavior that are damaging the relationship, and come up with solutions that strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Keep reading to learn how to find a licensed therapist offering couples therapy in Jacksonville, Fl today.
Couples looking for therapists often feel overwhelmed as they begin to look for a potential therapist. You and your partner making the decision to begin couples counseling should be the most difficult part of the process. You shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed searching through lists of providers. Knowing where to search, what to look for, and what questions to ask once you find a potential provider can make all the difference. Here are a few simple steps to finding a couples therapist in Jacksonville for you and your partner:
1. Research Couples Therapists in Jacksonville, Fl
Before committing to couples therapy, it’s important to research licensed therapists near you that specialize in this type of therapy. A simple Google search will connect you with many websites and directories that list hundreds of therapists in your area. Make sure the therapists you and your partner are considering are licensed mental health professionals and have experience helping couples with similar issues as yours.
When browsing through lists of therapists, it can be difficult to differentiate between credentials. Couples therapists typically have the credential of Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). You may also see licensed psychologists (LP) or individuals who are doctors of psychology (Psy.D.). Although this is not a comprehensive list of qualified professionals, all of the licenses listed above indicate that in individual is qualified to conduct couples counseling.
It’s also important to make sure the therapist is a good fit for both you and your partner – check out online reviews or schedule consultations with prospective therapists before making your decision. Most therapists offer free, 15-minute phone consultations to answer any and all questions you may have about starting couples counseling in Jacksonville, Fl.
2. Contact Couples Therapists Near You
Once you have identified a few potential therapists, it’s time to explore your options. Before booking an appointment, make sure that the couples therapy techniques they use are compatible with your goals and values. Furthermore, ensure that their approach is in line with best practice guidelines in terms of delivering effective therapy. Ask questions and research into their background to determine whether or not they will be able to help you both.
There is no such thing as a dumb question during therapy consultations. Ask the potential therapist what their approach is and what they specialize. This will help you gain a better understanding of their perspective and to feel out if they could be a good fit for you and your partner.
You do not need to have any previous experience with therapy in order to determine if a therapist is a good fit for you.
Listen to your gut when reading biographies and speaking with potential therapists. Do you feel comfortable speaking with them? Do their credentials and experience align with what you and your partner are trying to accomplish? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, the prospective therapist is likely a good fit for you and your partner.
3. Consider Finding an LGBTQ+ Friendly Couples Therapist
If you or your partner identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to know that the therapist you are working with is knowledgeable and affirming of your lived experience. Therapists will typically state in their biographies or on their website that they are LGBTQ+ affirmative or that they have experience working with individuals working within the LGBTQ+ community. If you are ever unsure of if a therapist is affirming, you can always ask a direct question. It is always better to ask a potentially uncomfortable question than to commit to something without having the information you need.
Philosophie Therapy is proud to provide LGBTQ+ affirmative couples therapy to individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Contact us today to schedule a free phone consultation with an LGBTQ+ affirmative couples therapist in Jacksonville, Fl.
4. Consider Location and Scheduling for Your Couples Counseling Sessions
In order to maximize the effects of couples therapy, it is important to consider both location and scheduling when searching for couples therapy in Jacksonville, Fl. Explore a variety of counseling centers and different practitioners that offer convenient office hours in your local area. Additionally, look into whether they have the flexibility to offer online or telephone sessions so that you can make sure the therapist is able to accommodate your needs.
Many couples prefer online couples therapy over in-person therapy. If you have a safe, private space in your home and have access to a webcam and good WiFi, online couples therapy could be a great fit for you and your partner. Philosophie Therapy is proud to provide online couples counseling in Jacksonville, Fl. We provide HIPAA-compliant online therapy sessions via Zoom from a private, calming office space. Many of our couples report being surprised by how connected they felt to both the therapist and each other during the online sessions we offer. If you or someone you know is interested in starting online couples counseling, reach out today for a free phone consultation or skip the call and schedule your first session.
5. Understand Fees & Payment Plans for Couples Counseling Services in Jacksonville
Before beginning couples therapy, it is important to understand the fee structure and payment options the therapist offers. Couples therapy is typically not covered by insurance, which makes it less accessible than other forms of therapy. Many therapists in private practice do not accept insurance, for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to, being required to give clients a formal mental health diagnosis that becomes part of one’s permanent medical record. With that being said, many therapists who do not accept insurance will provide clients with an itemized invoice, called a superbill that can be submitted for reimbursement. Philosophie Therapy also offers packages of five couples therapy sessions that assist in reducing the overall cost of services. You can learn more about the cost of our couples therapy services in Jacksonville here.
Although it can seem difficult to find a couples therapist in Jacksonville, Fl, this article outlines helpful steps to connect you and your partner with couples therapy services near you. If you found this article helpful and believe that Philosophie Therapy may be a good fit for you and your partner, feel free to contact us today to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation with a licensed therapist. We would be more than happy to answer any and all questions you and your partner may have about starting couples therapy in Jacksonville.
Written by Hannah Mayderry, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Owner of Philosophie Therapy, LLC.