Save your marriage book-Is that better than professional counseling?

Let's face it. There are times when you have tried everything you can to keep your marriage alive. Marriage relationship help doesn't necessarily have to involve professional counselors though.

When you are struggling to keep a marriage alive financial problems just make things worse. Would a save your marriage book be just as effective? For many, they find that this is the best solution for them for a variety of reasons.

The best recommendation is to use the cheapest resources at first. Often times, the pastor of your church may be an excellent option to consider for marriage counseling. If you would prefer to go with a licensed counselor credentials are extremely important.

There are three different classes of counselors. PhD counselors went to graduate school for a number of years and complete a dissertation. They are also required to complete 3,000 hours of therapy under a supervising psychologist. The PhD designation is required for a therapist to call themselves a "clinical psychologist".

There is a lot of debate on what level of education a counselor needs to be help save a failing marriage. The next step down in the educational hierarchy is the counselor with a M.S. or M.A. degree in Counseling. Pastors in a church will also have these credentials through a seminary.

Counselors with this designation have had 1,500 hours of supervised therapy under a supervising psychologist. They have also spent less time in graduate school to meet that level of accreditation. Ordinarily, your employer sponsored health care provider will pay for this type of counseling. Something to consider!

Your insurance company may also direct you to a counselor that has an MSW (Master of Social Work) degree. They are often called Marriage and Family Therapists. Obviously, clinical psychologists tend to be the most expensive.

Whatever type of counseling you decide to get keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all" solution. Often times, the seriousness of your relationship situation is going to determine the best course of action.

If you are "fighting for our marriage" it's simply foolish to pinch pennies at a time like this. That doesn't mean you always get what you pay for when considering the different kind of counseling alternatives. You have to weigh both factors. Whatever, you do, follow the advice you are getting. Any divorced person will always tell you they would have done more to stay married The emotional toll it takes on you shouldn't be taken lightly.