Please suggest: A forum to discuss relationship problems

[kouppnky]

Hi,

Is there a reliable forum to discuss relationship issues and get advice? (serious issues like conflict, abuse, etc).
A high quality forum (like this one) with experts or knowledgeable members?

Thank you.

[runner540]

I really doubt it: the qualified professionals have ethical standards that may not allow providing individual advice in an anonymous internet forum. Also, abuse is a crime.

If you are facing a relationship issue that you need help with, I suggest you talk with your clergy to get counselor referrals or call your insurance. Most plans cover some counseling sessions and your employer may offer "employee assistance programs" that will help connect you with appropriate resources.

[CaliJim]

you local hospital or county public health department likely has a good social worker outreach group

[FederalFIRE]

I'd echo runner540 - it's probably best to speak to a professional rather than a forum for something like this, especially with the severity of the issues you've mentioned. Many employers have programs that support some number of meetings with a therapist or counselor, no questions asked. This can be a great way to get professional help without any cost if it's available.

[Ithrive]

Hmmm, does this need whet the appetites of our entrepreneurial members who would be inclined to create and curate such a forum. After all,are personal finances not as dicey, and yet, here we are.

[mlipps]

We're far from professionals...but the scope of conversation is less limited at the Mr. Money Mustache forum and some of the most personal threads have been very thoughtfully responded to. There are some good examples in the "Mustachian and Single" & "Ask a Mustachian" sub forum recently. I think that, like here, there is a bias towards very logical responses, which if you are that kind of person (Most of us spending our spare time on personal finance forums are...) & experiencing conflict in your relationships as a result, this can create a type of echo chamber or confirmation bias. Still, on the whole, could be useful.

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/perso ... o-savings/

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a ... msg2322874

[buhlaxtus]

I suggest you talk with your clergy to get counselor referrals or call your insurance. Most plans cover some counseling sessions and your employer may offer "employee assistance programs" that will help connect you with appropriate resources.

Clergy have a poor history in these matters, some would even say disgusting. Perhaps your priest/parish is different. The suggestion to find a professional counselor in general is a good one. Never assume any specific counselor necessarily has good or ethical input however - be willing to seek a couple of opinions.

[brandy]

Good question, I too would like such a place. Miss Manners isn't it.

[MotoTrojan]

Reddit has many relevant subs for these type of things.

[ohai]

Make a throwaway account and post on Reddit. A ton of the answers will be crap, but the good answers usually make their way to the top.

[Quickfoot]

The problem with a forum for this type of thing is liability, it really is something you need to talk to a professional about. You do not want someone with no or unknown credentials providing you advice, you also won't know if they have your best intentions at heart. If you OR your spouse have an EAP that provides counseling rest assured the employer wont know you are using it. Employers get reports of how many employees use the plan but privacy laws prevent specifics or identifiable information from being shared. An employer EAP typically provides benefits to the employee and all immediate family members including spouses and children.

If you do not have or do not want to use an EAP check out betterhelp.com, they offer unlimited counseling with a licensed professional for a relatively small monthly fee (something like $200). You can connect with your counselor through online messaging, the phone and through video conferencing.

Never assume any specific counselor necessarily has good or ethical input however - be willing to seek a couple of opinions.

Good advice, counselors are just people too but they are required by law to act in the client's best interest. Most counselors don't actually give advice (liability) but guide the person through making their own decisions and provide mental and emotional support. A counselor can be a great way to put things in perspective and identify if a relationship is unhealthy. We can all use counseling

[Trader Joe]

Hi,

Is there a reliable forum to discuss relationship issues and get advice? (serious issues like conflict, abuse, etc).
A high quality forum (like this one) with experts or knowledgeable members?

Thank you.

I cannot suggest a forum for you. I can tell you about my experience. Decades of relationship experience has shown me that serious relationship problems can never be resolved and it is best to move on. I wish you all the best.

[Nowizard]

Professional advice is unethical, but many psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors, etc. have considerable information on their websites. Unfortunately, relationship issues are not typically amenable to concrete advice alone since there are such significant emotional components related to the issues.

Tim

[BolderBoy]

Professional advice is unethical,...

I'm curious what you mean by this?

[LadyGeek]

This thread has run its course and is locked (the question has been answered, discussion starting to derail). See: Personal Consumer Issues

Note that this subforum has a much lower threshold for locking or removing posts than the financial and investing subforums. In general, controversial, offensive, pointless, divisive or mean-spirited posts or topics may be locked, edited or deleted (with or without notice) at the discretion of the moderating staff even if they do not otherwise violate forum policies.