Finding a qualified marriage and family therapist that the couple or family will be comfortable with requires some effort on the part of the consumer. There are many people out there who advertise themselves as marriage counselors or family therapists but do not have the credentials. The client must shop around, interview prospective therapists, and evaluate qualifications, services, and approaches, or seek a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For the most satisfying and effective outcome, the couple or family should seek professional assistance before the pain and dysfunction become so great that the motivation to change is lost. All families go through trials and tribulations. Some are developmental and may recede if the family system maintains its integrity during difficult times. But rather than hoping the problems will go away, the couple or family will benefit from dealing with it when it first occurs. Often, this will require the assistance of a trained therapist. (The addresses of these organizations which can provide referrals for therapists are included: the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists; and the National Council on Family Relations.) (CM)