Bart Rubin, PhD Highlights Need for Specialized Training to Provide Marriage Counseling
Although marriage counseling has become increasingly popular in the United States, new reports reveal that not every therapist providing these services has received specialized training. Bart Rubin, PhD, marriage counselor, discusses this matter.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 17, 2013
As a clinical psychologist, Bart Rubin PhD is committed to staying current with training needs to properly treat his wide breadth of clients. In addition, he remains active within a number of professional groups, such as the American Family Therapy Academy and the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists, to increase his opportunity to learn from other colleagues. While Dr. Rubin has put forth a notable effort to gain recognition in the couples' therapy and marriage counseling circles, a recent article from The Chicago Tribune suggests that not every provider carries the necessary training to fully address problems that partners face today.According to the article, "While any number of social workers, psychologists and other counseling professionals can perform couples therapy--and many do it well--that doesn't necessarily mean they've had much experience with it or that they've gone through the specialized course work required of licensed marriage and family therapists." In the article, one professor of marriage and family therapy at California State University at Northridge, Diane Gehart, adds, "Unfortunately, many therapists have not been trained to step out of the who's-to-blame dynamic...And when a therapist accustomed to treating individuals brings an individualistic approach to a couples session, it can backfire."
In response, Bart Rubin, PhD comments, "It is important for modern therapists to recognize that when a couple attends therapy, both partners are putting forth some degree of effort to repair a damaged relationship. That effort alone--although sometimes minimal--should prompt the therapist to give each partner respect, rather than singling an individual out during the process. Instead, it is often best to provide a way for the couple to address problems together and analyze the issues as a whole."
Following a similar sentiment, the article highlights the thoughts of one author on relationship issues who states, "The real client in couples counseling is the relationship...And it needs a calm and cogent arbiter whom both partners trust to direct the session when temperatures in the room rise."
"Considering how sensitive the issue of a relationship can be, and how much is at stake, it is essential for couples to carefully consider the therapist they choose. Those who are thinking of pursuing marriage or couples' counseling should take the time to research the therapist's credentials, certifications and experience within relationship issues," Bart Rubin, PhD concludes.
ABOUT:
Bart Rubin PhD is a clinical psychologist who treats patients in his private practice and at the Institute for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. He currently has offices in Kentfield, Berkeley and Pinole--all located within the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Rubin specializes in family and couples' therapy, child and adolescent behavior problems, substance abuse and ADHD. Dr. Rubin holds membership in a number of professional groups, including the American Family Therapy Academy and the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists.