Let's Talk Relationships

Who You Should Consult On Your Relationship

When deciding who to seek relationship advice from, the key filter is competence + objectivity + appropriate boundaries. Not everyone with an opinion has the training or neutrality to give guidance that is actually helpful or psychologically sound.

Here are the most reliable sources, in order of strength:

1. Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Licensed Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Why they matter:
These professionals are trained in attachment theory, communication dynamics, trauma patterns, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. They are also bound by ethical standards and confidentiality rules, which reduces bias and gossip risk.

Best for:

• Recurring conflict patterns

• Trust issues, infidelity recovery

• Communication breakdowns

• Emotional dependency or anxiety in relationships

2. Certified Relationship or Couples Counselors

Relationship Counselor

Why they matter:
They specialize specifically in romantic dynamics, dating behavior, compatibility, and long-term relational health. Many use structured frameworks (e.g., Gottman Method-informed strategies, communication models).

Best for:

• Dating decisions

• Premarital compatibility questions

• Improving communication habits

• Boundary setting in romantic relationships

3. Experienced Mentors With Stable Relationships

Relationship Mentor

Why they matter:
These are individuals who have demonstrated long-term relationship stability and emotional maturity—not just opinions, but lived pattern recognition over time.

Best for:

• Real-world perspective checks

• Navigating early relationship confusion

• Long-term commitment considerations

Caution: helpful, but still anecdotal—not clinical.

4. Trusted, Emotionally Mature Friends or Family

Trusted Confidant

Why they matter:
They know your personality and history, which can provide context professionals may initially lack.

Best for:

• Ground-level emotional support

• Immediate reality checks

• Talking through feelings before major decisions

Caution: choose carefully—bias, loyalty conflicts, and projection are common.

5. Faith-Based or Spiritual Counselors (if aligned with your values)

Pastoral Counselor

Why they matter:
They integrate moral frameworks, forgiveness, and purpose-driven decision-making alongside relational guidance.

Best for:

• Value-centered relationship decisions

• Forgiveness and reconciliation discernment

• Couples wanting spiritually aligned guidance

Caution: effectiveness depends heavily on training level (some are not clinically trained).

People to Be Cautious About

• Friends who are emotionally invested in one side of your relationship

• People who project their own relationship trauma onto your situation

• Social media influencers giving generalized “relationship rules”

• Anyone who discourages professional help when serious issues are present

Core Rule of Thumb

The best relationship advice comes from someone who is:

• Trained (clinical/professional knowledge) or

• Experienced (lived stability + self-awareness)

• And most importantly: not emotionally entangled in your situation