Questions to Ask a Prospective Marriage Counselor in Birmingham, AL

If you're exploring marriage counseling in Birmingham, AL, you’re already taking a brave step toward healing and reconnection. And we know, reaching out to a therapist isn’t always easy. Sometimes just making the call is hard enough. Getting a call back? Even harder.

Therapists are busier than ever, and navigating the search for the right fit can feel overwhelming. So once you do get a response and find someone willing to talk through their services with you, what should you ask? What’s appropriate? What helps you decide if this person is the right match for you and your relationship?

At Sparrow Counseling, we believe the fit between you and your therapist matters deeply. To help you move forward with clarity, we’ve put together a list of thoughtful, important questions to ask when you’re looking for a marriage counselor in Birmingham.

Questions to ask a marriage therapist in Birmingham, AL

1. Ask About the Logistics of Marriage Counseling

   Before diving into the deeper questions, get a sense of how the practice works on a practical level. Ask things like:

   • How much does a session cost?

   • Do you take insurance or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)?

   • How long are your sessions?

   • What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

   • Do you offer counseling packages or intensives?

   • Can we do virtual sessions if we can’t make it in person?

   These answers can help you know what to expect and decide if the counselor’s schedule and structure align with your needs and budget.

2. Ask About Their Qualifications

Not all therapists are trained equally when it comes to marriage and couples counseling. Here are some helpful questions to ask:

• What licenses do you hold?

  • Are you a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?

  • A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)?

  • An Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) under supervision?

• What specific training have you had in marriage or couples therapy?

• Do you use any particular models like Gottman, EFT, or the Developmental Model?

Be cautious of terms like “relationship coach” that sound helpful but don’t guarantee any formal clinical training. You deserve someone with experience, education, and a solid framework for working with relational dynamics.

3. Ask About Their Experience with Couples

Training matters, but so does time in the therapy room. Ask:

• How long have you been doing marriage or couples counseling?

• Do you have experience with issues like blended families, parenting stress, infidelity recovery, or pre-marital preparation?

Life experience can also bring perspective. A counselor who understands the emotional weight of a newborn, the challenges of the first year of marriage, or the complexities of remarriage may bring a level of empathy that feels grounding and relatable.

4. Ask About Their Own Therapeutic Journey

While this might feel personal, it’s okay to ask whether your potential therapist believes in the process they offer. Consider asking:

• Have you ever done therapy yourself?

• Has it helped you grow personally or relationally?

Therapists who value their own growth and self-awareness often model that in their work with clients. At Sparrow Counseling, we believe it’s not only ethical, it’s essential for us to do our own work, too.

Why These Questions Matter

The most important factor in whether therapy is successful isn’t the therapist’s technique or years of experience—it’s the quality of the relationship between you and your counselor.

As you ask these questions, pay attention to how you feel in the conversation. Do you feel heard? Respected? Like you could be honest, even when it’s hard? The right therapist won’t try to be the expert on your life—they’ll partner with you, offer insight, and gently challenge you when needed, all in a space that feels safe and supportive.

Ready to Start Marriage Counseling in Birmingham, AL?

We hope these questions help you feel more confident as you search for the right fit. If you’re still feeling unsure, that’s okay. We’d love to help you take the next step.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Reach out to Sparrow Counseling for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

2. Talk with us about your relationship goals and get matched with a counselor who’s the right fit.

3. Begin your counseling journey with confidence, support, and a therapist who gets it.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s take the next step together.

Other Services Offered at Sparrow Counseling

At Sparrow Counseling we offer in-person and online therapy in the state of Alabama. In addition to couples retreats, our team specializes in pre-engagement and premarital counseling, couples intensives, teen counseling, family therapy, co-parenting counseling, blended family counseling, discernment counseling, and more in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!

Written by Sara Hadgraft, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. For more than 30 years, Sara has helped couples and families strengthen their relationships through honesty, empathy, and skillful communication. As the founder of Sparrow Counseling in Birmingham, AL, she is passionate about teaching clients how to have the hard conversations that lead to lasting change.