How to Find the Right Therapist
May is mental health awareness month and if you have been thinking about starting your therapy journey, now is the time! However, it can be an overwhelming task to find a therapist in your community. Some people may have some difficulty finding therapists due to their locations, such as rural communities, or their ability to get to an appointment. In these cases, try to find a therapist who conducts sessions via telephone or computer. There is significant evidence to suggest that, with a strong therapeutic alliance, therapy conducted online or over the phone can be an effective and accessible options for those who are unable to see a therapist in person (Sussex Publishers, n.d).
When it comes to finding the right therapist, start by identifying the specific goals and the challenges you want to address in therapy. Finding a therapist that suits your individual needs is essential. Research therapists who specialize in those areas and consider their experience and approaches. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a few therapists to schedule initial consultations to gauge your comfort level and assess how well you connect. It’s all about the rapport and trust you can build while working together on your goals, so don’t get too caught up in the person’s credentials.
Some helpful questions to ask in an initial consultation could include:
Have you dealt with concerns such as mine before and if so, how frequently?
What are your specialities and therapeutic approaches?
Have you worked with people who share my background?
During this time, it’s important to get your questions answered and it’s a good time to evaluate if it will be a good fit going forward. However, sometimes it does take a couple of sessions to gather if the therapeutic relationship is strong and if you are comfortable going forward with the therapist you selected. Be patient in the process!
A counselor should be empathetic, professional, and knowledgeable about the problems the client wishes to work on. If these traits are not present, it may be a good idea to keep searching. Some people wish to see a provider who shares their gender, race, cultural background, or sexual orientation; consider whether those qualities are important to you as you search for a therapist.
If seeking therapy has been on your mind recently don’t hesitate any longer! Therapy can be extremely beneficial for anyone who wishes to increase their mental health! And there is no problem to big or small to tackle!
Laura Cole, MSW, LCSW
Reference
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). How to find a therapist. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy/how-to-find-a-therapist#how-can-i-find-a-therapist-near-me