Choosing a Relationship Counsellor: A step by step guide (and the Perfect Place to Park your Tush)

Picture this: You're sitting in a therapist's office, trying to open up about your relationship issues, but you just can't get comfortable in that stiff, unforgiving chair. You fidget, you shift, you wonder if  the counsellor is secretly judging you for not being able to sit still. Meanwhile, your mind is racing with questions: Should you have prioritised chair comfort when choosing a relationship counsellor? Can you really trust a therapist who doesn't care about their clients tushes? Fear not, my chair loving friends - in this step by step guide, I'll help you navigate the tricky terrain of finding the right relationship counsellor and the perfect place to park your tush. Get ready to sit back, relax and discover the comfiest path to better relationships!

First things first: it's important to acknowledge that choosing a relationship counsellor based solely on their chairs may not be the most effective strategy. After all, a therapist's qualifications, experience and counselling approach are all critical factors to consider when seeking help with relationship issues. That said, there's no denying that a comfortable chair can make a huge difference in your overall therapy experience. When you feel physically at ease, you're more likely to be able to relax and focus on the task at hand. So, in the spirit of finding the perfect balance between counselling expertise and chair comfort, let's dive into my step-by-step guide to choosing the right couple counsellor.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs 

Before you start your research for a relationship counsellor, it's important to take some time to identify your needs. Think about what you hope to gain from counselling and what issues you want to address in your relationships. Maybe you're struggling with communication or trust, or maybe you simply want to improve your connection or intimacy with your partner. Once you've identified your goals, consider what counselling style might be best suited to your needs. For example, do you prefer a more exploring the roots of the problem, are you seeking practical skills and tools, or would you rather a counsellor who listens and supports you as you work through your issues? And, of course, don't forget to factor in the importance of a comfortable chair - after all, it's hard to work on your relationship issues when you're distracted by back pain. By taking the time to identify your needs and preferences, you can narrow down your search and find a counsellor who is the perfect fit for you.

Step 2: Do Your Research

 Once you've identified your needs, it's time to start researching potential relationship counsellors. Fortunately the internet makes it easy to find counsellors in your area, and many have websites that offer helpful information about their experience, specialty and approach to therapy. As you peruse the options, keep your chair preferences in mind - does the counsellors website mention anything about the comfort level of their chairs? If not, don't be afraid to ask when you reach out to them. You might also consider reaching out to friends, family members and other health professionals for recommendations. And, if you're feeling especially chair-focused, you could even try scoping out counsellors offices in person to see if any have particularly cushy looking seats. Just remember to prioritise experience and expertise over chair quality when making your final decision. After all, a lumpy chair might be forgivable if your counsellor is truly skilled at helping you work through your relationship challenges.

Step 3: Consider Logistics (and Chair Quality)

Logistics may not be the most exciting aspect of choosing a relationship counsellor, but it's an important one nonetheless. When evaluating potential counsellors, consider factors like their location, availability and pricing. Ideally, you'll want to find a counsellor whose office is conveniently located and whose schedule aligns with yours. And of course, you'll want to make sure their fees are within your budget. But don't forget about the importance of a comfortable chair in all of this! If you have mobility issues or other physical concerns, you may need to factor in chair comfort when considering a counsellors office space. Additionally, you'll want to think about any other logistical details that could impact your chair comfort levels, such as temperature, lighting, noise and privacy. Remember the more comfortable you are during your counselling sessions, the more effective they're likely to be. So don't hesitate to ask potential counsellors about their office environments and how they accommodate clients comfort needs.

Step 4: Schedule an Initial Appointment ( and Test the Chairs)

 Once you've done your research and narrowed down your list of potential relationship counsellors, it's time to take the next step: scheduling an initial appointment. This first session is often an opportunity for you and the counsellor to get to know each other and determine if you are a good fit. When scheduling your appointment, don't forget to inquire about chair comfort. Don't be shy about expressing your preferences or concerns - a good counsellor will want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible during your sessions. With a little bit of preparation and communication, you can set yourself up for a productive and comfortable counselling experience.

Step 5: Reflect and Reassess (and Consider Chair Upgrades)

After your initial appointment, take some time to reflect on your experience. How did you feel during the session? Did the counsellor seem knowledgeable, empathetic and easy to talk to? And of course how was the chair? If you felt physically uncomfortable during the session, its worth considering if that could be a deal breaker for you. At the same time, remember that the first session is just the starting point, and it may take some time to build rapport with your counsellor and get used to their office environment. So, if you're not sure about the counsellor after the first session, don't be too quick to dismiss them - give it another try and see if you start to feel more comfortable over time. On the other hand, if you're absolutely certain that a counsellor isn't the right fit for you, don't be afraid to move on and keep searching until you find someone who meets all of your needs - including a comfy chair. 

In conclusion, choosing the right relationship counsellor can be a daunting process, but it's an important one if you're wanting support to improve your relationships. Remember finding a counsellor who makes you feel comfortable and supported is the key to building a strong therapeutic relationship and achieving your goals. So don't be afraid to do your research, consider logistics, and schedule an initial appointment with a counsellor who seems like a good fit. And if you find yourself feeling less than comfortable during your sessions, don't hesitate to speak up and advocate for your needs. With a little patience, persistence and chair related vigilance, you can find the perfect relationship counsellor to guide you on to happier, healthier relationships.