When you think your marriage has run its course, it is good to seek out the assistance of a marriage counselor to try and save the relationship from coming to a bitter end. However, you need to make sure that you receive proper counseling that will help get your marriage back on track.

An experienced marriage counselor can appreciate your circumstances and understand the personalities of both parties and identify the root causes of marital friction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Compare and Review Expertise Areas

When looking for a marriage counselor, do not just settle for the first one you find. Just as you would need to find the right doctor who would be able to treat a disease, you should also be careful in choosing your counselor. Ask for recommendations and visit as many as you can to find out the one that is exactly right for both of you. Since you are aware of your problems and circumstances, you should look find a counselor who has the appropriate specialization, qualifications, expertise, and experience. 

Gender can also be a big issue; discuss with your spouse regarding comfort levels with either a male or a female counselor. Look out for counselors who are qualified at advising couples rather than only one of you trying to solve your concerns individually. It is equally important for the Family Therapist in Silverlake to be on comfortable terms with you.

Optimism Is the Key

The Marriage Therapist in Silverlake who is most likely to work well with you, will likely be an optimist who will be able to reassure you that your marriage can be saved. While it is normal to think that the therapist can save marriages, the initial interaction may give you a good indication of how they are predisposed to the institution of marriage and their stances regarding a whole host of marital problems. Since as a couple, you intend to keep the flame alive in your marriage, you must find a counselor who is appropriately sympathetic and can guide you to taking the necessary steps to change. It is particularly important for those participating in marriage counseling to be completely neutral and not pass judgments.