you feel confident in asking and/or that are particularly important to you.  I have explained why it is useful to ask that particular question. Are you registered or accredited?  By which organisation? Make a note of the answer - just in case you would to ring that organisation at any time for further information. Have you completed your training as a (couple) counsellor/therapist? A counsellor in training may be excellent at what she does, perhaps building on previous experience in another related job.  However, you should know whether or not they are still in training.  If you want to find a marriage counsellor (couples or relationship counselor), please make sure that your counsellor has actually trained as a couple counsellor.  Many counsellors decide to offer couple counsellor without having had any or sufficient training. How did you gain your qualifications? You really don't want someone who has done their training through a distance/on-line course. How long have you been practicing as a (couple) counselor? Counsellors may have been practicing for a number of years.  However, that does not necessarily mean that they have a lot of experience .  Particularly if they have only ever been in private practice they may not actually have seen that many clients. How flexible are you with appointments? This is particularly important if you are working shifts or if you rely on other people for childcare.  Some counsellors or organisations might expect you to keep to a certain day/time. How long do the sessions last