When we look for someone to date, we often use dating apps or social media to understand them. When we are hiring, or looking for a job, there’s lots of criteria we consider. The basis of many of our most significant relationships is choosing the right person– so why should our relationship with our therapist be any different?
But finding the right therapist can be a challenge. Heck, it can be challenging to figure out what makes a therapist right for you. And without a therapist who works for you, it can be a lot harder to meet your therapy goals. So let’s talk about it! Here are our best tips for finding just the right therapist for you.
Know Your Needs and Preferences
The first step in finding a therapist is understanding your own needs and preferences. This means taking a closer look at what you want to achieve in therapy. Are you looking for someone to help you manage anxiety or depression? Do you need support working through past trauma? Or are you seeking help to navigate a major life transition?
Think about the following:
- Therapeutic Approaches: Different therapists use different therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), relationship therapy, sex therapy the list goes on and on. Research these approaches to see which resonates with you.
- Specialties: Some therapists specialize in certain areas, such as trauma, addiction, relationships, or specific populations like LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Personal Preferences: Consider whether you have a preference for the therapist’s gender, age, cultural background, or language spoken.
Do Your Research
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. There are several effective ways to find potential therapists. Online directories offer filtering options by location, specialty, and therapeutic approach, making it easier to find a match. You can also ask friends, family, or healthcare providers for recommendations. Personal referrals often lead to trustworthy connections, and if you get a recommendation from somebody who knows you, that can help point you in the direction of someone who can help with your specific issue. Another important resource is your insurance provider; checking with them can give you a list of covered therapists in your area, ensuring that your sessions are financially feasible.
Interview Time
Once you’ve found a few therapists who seem like they might be a good fit, schedule a consultation or intake appointment. This is your chance to get to know the therapist and see if they’re the right match for you. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What is your approach to therapy? Understanding the therapist’s methodology can help you determine if it aligns with your needs and preferences.
- Do you have experience working with clients who have my specific issues? This question ensures the therapist has relevant experience and expertise.
- How do you handle emergencies or crises? Knowing how your therapist manages urgent situations can provide peace of mind.
- What are your availability and scheduling policies? Ensure their availability matches your schedule.
- How do you measure progress in therapy? This question helps you understand how the therapist tracks and evaluates your progress.
Consider Logistics and Practicalities
Logistics are an important factor in choosing a therapist. You should be ruthlessly practical here, because even if they seem like they can help, if the logistics don’t work out, neither will your sessions. Is the therapist’s office conveniently located? If not, do they do online sessions? If you’re doing virtual therapy, ensure you have a private and comfortable space for sessions.
You should also ask about the therapist’s fees and payment policies. Check if they accept your insurance or offer sliding scale fees based on income. Discuss how long sessions will be and how often you’ll meet. Make sure this fits into your schedule and budget.
Trust the Process and Your Instincts!
Therapy is a journey, and finding the right therapist is the first step. It’s important to trust the process and give yourself grace as you navigate this path to better mental health. This means recognizing that it may take time to find the right fit and understanding that it’s okay to explore different options. It’s perfectly normal to have questions, seek second opinions, and take your time during this process. The right therapist is out there, and with patience and persistence, you will find them.
During your initial consultation, pay close attention to how you feel in the therapist’s presence. The therapeutic relationship is a critical component of effective therapy, so it’s essential to assess whether you feel heard and understood. Consider whether the therapist listens actively, responds empathetically, and seems genuinely interested in your well-being. Also, evaluate your comfort level in sharing personal information with them. Therapy requires vulnerability, so it’s crucial that you feel safe and supported in your sessions.
Trusting your instincts is a vital part of choosing a therapist. If something feels off, even if you can’t quite pinpoint why, it’s okay to keep looking. Your intuition can guide you in recognizing whether a therapist’s style and approach align with your needs. It’s important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process. You deserve a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to support you.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (But Sometimes Necessary!)
This is a hard truth, because a lot of us are people pleasers or otherwise conflict-avoidant. But we are therapists and we’re here to tell you: You can break up with us. Really! If your therapist isn’t a good fit, it’s ok to look for someone else!
Not all therapists are going to be a good fit for everybody. Sometimes you need someone who’s got a better understanding of specific types of trauma. Maybe you realize after a couple of sessions that you need someone who understands your sexual or romantic orientation, heritage, immigrant experiences– whatever it is, it’s ok to find someone who fits your needs better. Consider this official permission to break up with your therapist if you need to! After all, we want you to.
See, if your therapist isn’t a good fit for you, we can’t help you the way you need to be helped. We want you to meet your goals, whatever those might be. Don’t think that you need to stick with one therapist because you’re afraid of hurting our feelings. That’s not our job. Our job is to help you get what you came for.
Finding A Love Heal Grow Therapist
So, with all that in mind, how should you approach our practice here at Love Heal Grow? You can start by looking at our directory of therapists. It’s easy to filter by what you need by practice specialties, availability, and more. What’s more, each of us has a video up so that you can get a feel for our styles and personalities. If you have specific questions for any of us, we all have an email address where you can set up a phone call or an email thread to ask away. You can also schedule a general phone consultation or email us at hello@lovehealgrow.com for more support. Remember, we’re here for you! Whether you want to schedule an appointment right away or need more information, we are happy to help you find your perfect therapeutic match.
