How to Decide When to See a Marriage and Family Therapist

The term ‘therapist’ has a poor connotation that comes with it. Too many people assume that one has to be absolutely crazy or extremely messed up in order to need the services of such a professional. The fact of the matter is that one does not need to be crazy or extremely messed up in order to acquire the services of a therapist. When it comes to a marriage and family therapist, there are several reasons that should lead to the decision of hiring one.

First, one might realize that it’s time to see a marriage and family counselor when they notice arguments within the marriage or the family on a daily basis. There is a difference between disagreements and arguments. Disagreements are normal parts of everyday expression. In fact, the lack of disagreements may be a sign that someone is not communicating how they really feel. If arguments, though, are happening every single day, that is indeed the time to call in a professional for council and advice.

The subject of divorce is not to be taken lightly. It also should not be offered lightly. Much thought should and usually does go into such a suggestion. Whenever anyone in the family – whether a parent or a child – strongly suggests the act of a divorce as a solution to a problem or set of problems, that is definitely the time to seek outside help. Families can and should stay together and the help of various expressive therapies can help to make that work.

Sometimes it’s just hard to express feelings adequately. Those who are unable to do so will most likely be unable to maintain healthy family relationships. Learning to communicate assertively in a positive way is one of the best ways to strengthen marriage and families. Those who need a little extra help in acquiring such a skill would do well to seek some sort of marriage and family or art therapist.

Eating disorders are a sign that all is not well. One has to be hurting very deeply and very seriously in order to subject themselves to an issue such as this. Whenever something like this becomes a concern, it’s imperative that the person in question is provided with a professional of some sort to help them through this life threatening problem.

 Lastly, anyone can rely upon their gut instinct to tell them if they should go or not. One has to be very open to their feelings, the reality of the current situation as well as genuinely wanting to make a positive change in order to trust their gut feeling. Those who just feel like it’s time should not ignore that feeling and can rest assured it’s time to go seek help at that point.