It takes two to decide which counseling program works for your partner and you.
Free counseling services are available for couples who are open to explore possibilities. Knowing where to look gives couples access to sensible, worthy alternatives. In some cases, the quality of therapy may be comparable to paid professional counseling. Try out a program and attend at least a few sessions to find out if it's the right fit for you and your partner. If it feels right, and you're both comfortable, make a serious commitment to complete the program.
Instructions
1. Seek a local church or place of worship as they typically offer free counseling to couples in their congregation or community. Call or visit to make an appointment with the pastor, priest or rabbi or their associates. Some of them may be professionally trained in relationship counseling. Counseling in a faith context has a strong spiritual foundation, but other components that affect the relationship are often integrated. Inquire whether the church has a family ministry served by dedicated volunteers. Designated marriage counselors or husband-and-wife counseling teams may be available for advice. While not necessarily licensed counselors, they draw on the wisdom of practical experience from challenges they have personally overcome. Couples with strong, loving marriages in your neighborhood may also be willing to listen and offer insight and support.
2. Go to your nearest institute of higher learning. Counseling degree programs in colleges and universities require students to complete units of practicum in actual counseling. These students seek volunteers to practice counseling theories and techniques they have learned. If you and your partner don't mind being test subjects, allow these counselors-in-training to test if the strategies work in real life. Under the expert guidance of their mentors, the students are trained in an academic setting to conduct the sessions with confidentiality, compassion and professionalism. Their genuine desire to help and to prove themselves capable increases the chances of success.
3. Call your local domestic violence hotline. Cases of domestic crisis, violence and abuse require immediate intervention and prevention measures. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE [7233], TTY 1-800-787-3224) operates 24 hours a day, all year-round. Free and confidential services are offered in Spanish and English, and interpreters in over 170 languages are also accessible. The hotline provides assistance with crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
4. Go online and find free online resources that you can use for counseling support. For example, Therapy247.com is a virtual social community with communication tools such as live chat and a message board to share experiences, vent problems and explore solutions. Use it as a sounding vehicle to give and get advice on coping strategies. The Therapy 247 Community believes that this friendly exchange in an anonymous platform is an excellent form of therapy. Join the online community or browse the site as a guest. Although the forum is not exclusively for couples, many categories touch on relationship and intimacy issues.
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