Couples going through rough patches – or even on the brink of divorce – may look to a marriage counselor for help. But the type of counselor, not to mention his or her certification and counseling style, that you choose can make a big difference. The first thing to look at is the letters behind a counselor’s name. They might seem like alphabet soup, but you should know about the practitioner’s field and education, not to mention the boards with which he or she is affiliated. It’s important to find a licensed marriage and family therapist, or LMFT. Other therapists, like social workers and psychologists may practice couples’ therapy and may help, but it is not their certified area of expertise without that LMFT certification. Pastoral counseling is popular with those who are religious, but bear in mind that there is no national or state recognition for this type of counselor. That means anyone can call themselves a “Christian counselor,” including church officials. Be sure you’re dealing with a trusted professional before going this route. Premarital counseling may be one of the first steps an engaged couple takes to start their married life. It involves the couple’s plans about finances, children, faith, careers and more.Basically, to ensure you’re on the same page before committing your lives to one another, this type of counseling can be beneficial. When problems arise in the marriage, being counseled together can facilitate more productive conversations. The same goes for family counseling, in which children and other family members may be included. For spouses who are facing delicate issues such as infidelity, this may not be the best kind of counseling to start with. When one partner is being overpowered by the other in couples’ counseling and no real headway is being made, or there is an abuse situation in the relationship, individual counseling may be recommended. Several couples come together in group counseling, which sometimes is recommended after couples’ therapy.