If you have a tough time talking money with your honey, a financial therapist may be something you may want to consider.  Not only can this help get your bank accounts in balance, but it may even help in other areas of your marriage.

Paige Buck and her husband are happily married homeowners.  But when it comes to discussing bills and budgets, Paige says everything would result in arguments, frustration or even tears.

The couple needed help expressing their financial feelings, so they saw a financial therapist.

"We weren't happy with the way we talked about money, or the decisions we were making," says Paige.

Financial therapy, also known as money coaching, is gaining popularity with couples and even singles!  Saundra Davis with the Financial Therapy Association says it's the basic understanding that feelings and finance go hand-in-hand.

"Financial therapy is the place where money and our personalities connect, when there's a difference between what we know and what we do," explains Davis.

Money coach Olivia Mellan says a good financial therapist will identify and treat the emotional blocks that prevent you from putting a financial plan into action.

"Overspending, money avoidance, money worrying, excessive hoarding and saving, inability to communicate about money," says Mellan.

For Paige, communication was key.  She and her husband realized they felt guilt over spending.  "My husband and I would look at each other and be like, 'I didn't know you felt that way!'"

There are no certifications to become a financial  therapist, so it's important to do your homework.

"The term financial therapist is not a clearly defined term. It is an emerging field. So what we have is a collaboration of financial planners, therapists, coaches, and other professionals who work together," explains Davis.

The Financial Therapy Association can be a valuable resource and Davis says you need to make sure you are comfortable with the professional you're working with.

Paige says after seeing her financial therapist, she feels financially and emotionally healthy.

"We're saving for short term and long-term goals that we had never even faced or even had the courage to look at before," says Paige.

financial therapy can cost anywhere from $50 to upwards of $350 an hour, depending on your needs.   The good news is that many therapists are willing to work around your budget. 

Whichever financial therapist you choose, make sure they're credentialed in his or her profession.