Couples Therapy Genetics

couples therapy genetics

Coping with a genetic medical challenge in the context of a couple relationship is not easy, making couples therapy for genetics an essential tool for couples. When a hereditary medical condition such as Huntington’s Disease, Familial Testicular Cancer, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, Hereditary Colon Cancer, or Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer is discovered for one partner, a host of issues become urgent. Couples must work together to understand how intimacy, family formation, healthcare decision-making, and communication will be handled.

Dr. Lindsey Hoskins has worked extensively with couples, families, and individuals providing Medical Family Therapy services in situations where hereditary medical risk is present. Couples often benefit from spending time talking carefully through the myriad issues that may arise relative to a genetic diagnosis with couples therapy for genetics. Effective communication, along with the development of respectful caregiving and support techniques, can assist couples in coping with this significant stressor.

Four Tips for Finding a Couples Counselor

Facing a medical diagnosis is often life-altering, because of this, you and your partner may need assistance through couples therapy to discuss genetics. Making the decision to access a couples therapist can help you and your partner to discuss the issues at hand and make significant medical decisions that are sure to lie ahead. While many couples could benefit from therapy, not all choose to attend. However, now that you have made the decision to begin couples therapy for genetics, you will need to find a therapist that is right for you and your partner. While often overlooked, finding a compatible therapist is an important factor when making the decision to engage in couples therapy for genetics. Therefore, to get started on the best path for progress, there are at least four tips you should follow to find an appropriate therapist who is experienced in providing couples therapy for those facing genetic issues:

Directories

Before digging through review sites and referrals, you should check with professional directories for a therapist who can administer couples therapy for genetics in your area. You can check professional sites like the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) or the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Certification and Licensure

Every state has specific requirements for licensure when it comes to therapy, but most require that a therapist be either licensed or licensed-eligible. However, in either case, you shouldn’t be seeking treatment from any licensed therapist for couples therapy for genetics. Couples and marriage counseling typically have specific designations, and while any counselor can technically practice this type of therapy, it is better to find a counselor who is certified as a licensed psychologist or a licensed marriage and family therapist. Because you are also experiencing medical issues that may have brought you to couples therapy for genetics, you will want to work with a clinician experienced in this area of practice, like the clinicians at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates.

Interview

While you will likely find many therapists in your area that are capable of performing couples therapy, managing genetics issues and medical diagnosis will require someone who has experience and understanding in this area. It is wise to interview each counselor before committing to continued couples therapy for genetics sessions. Interviews allow you to find out how long the therapist has been practicing, if they have advanced training specific to marriage and couples as well as information specific to the appointments.

Personality

An interview does more than inform you of a therapist’s background and the design of the therapy sessions, it also provides you with a glimpse of the practitioner’s personality. It is crucial that you and your partner work with a counselor you feel comfortable with, especially when attending couples therapy for genetics. You want to be able to open up and discuss intimate and personal matters, which can be difficult if you do not like or trust the person guiding you through that process.

Choosing a counselor when considering couples therapy for genetics is not a decision to take lightly. Take your time and weigh your options, making sure that the counselor you choose is best for your relationship. Compile a list of reputable therapists from professional databases and start scheduling initial interviews. For an experienced and supportive therapist call Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we provide couples therapy for genetics during what is likely to be an incredibly challenging time in your lives.