Tips when finding a therapist

Finding a therapist can be tricky. There are several websites, such as PsychologyToday and Alma, that make searching and filtering to find a therapist much easier. However, a therapist is not like any other health related appointment. An important thing to note is that your therapist is not just a doctor appointment where someone in the top of their field is the most important factor. The time you spend with your therapist is vulnerable and the relationship you have with your therapist is extremely important in the productivity and comfort of that space.

Before starting your ongoing relationship with a therapist, it is important to evaluate different areas to ensure this will be a good fit. Luckily, many counselors offer a free consultation over the phone for 15-30 minutes. This would be a great time to ask specific questions and get a sense of how it feels speaking with the potential therapist. The types of questions asked should confirm that the therapist is a good fit for logistical and relationship areas.

After indicating a list of therapist that may be a good fit, it is a great time to arrange several consolation calls. A consultation is an informal chance to get to know each other. This consolation is a great opportunity for both the therapist and the client. The client is able to gain a sense of what therapy may look like and if the relationship feels safe. The therapist is also able to learn about the need the client is seeking in a therapist. The therapist has an ethical responsibility that if it is not an appropriate fit, to recommended a better fitting therapist. An important thing to remember is the consolation is not therapy. The consultation is a great time to ask questions regarding what to expect during therapy.

It is important for the therapist to learn about you and your needs to see if they are an appropriate and qualified counsellor. It is also important to see if you are comfortable to speak with this therapist on an on-going basis, and share vulnerable things. counseling is different than other types of healthcare. Counseling gets super personal. And because of that, clients want to feel like the relationship is more balanced and that the therapist shares things about themselves as well. So don’t be afraid to ask the therapist anything.

 

Below are a list of some questions to ask a therapist. You do not need to ask every question listed below. Feel free to ask the most important questions.

 

  • What did you study?

  • What makes you qualified to treat my problem?

  • Do you specialize in my problem?

  • What makes you a specialist?

  • Have you helped many people like me?

  • What is the typical outcome of those cases?

  • What type of treatment styles will you use?

  • How will I know therapy is working?

  • Who talks more? You or me?

  • Do you give me homework?

  • Have you experienced my issue in your personal life?

  • Have you always been a therapist?

  • How long have you been in practice?

  • How often do I have to see you?

  • How much will it cost?

  • Do you accept my insurance?

  • What’s your policy on canceling sessions?

After the consultation session, it is important to check in with yourself. It is important to process the therapists answers to your questions and the relationship vibe. Below are some questions to ask yourself afterwards:

  • Do you feel emotionally and physically safe?

  • Does it seem like you could trust this person?

  • Do you think they ask good questions?

  • Do they seem knowledgeable and competent?

  • Do you like them and enjoy spending time with them?

  • Are they setting the right tone?

  • Does the office feel comfortable?

  • Does it feel confidential?

  • Do you feel distracted and not engaged?

  • Do you want to stay and talk or are you counting down the minutes until you can leave?

  • Do you feel heard and understood?

  • Do you like the questions that are being asked of you?

  • Does the therapist seem empathetic to your situation? 

It is important to remember that therapy can be nerve wracking and cause a fair amount of anxiety. Especially if you’ve never been to a therapist before. While your anxiety about talking to someone may not completely go away in an initial consult, you’ll want to feel a bit of a relief at the end of a conversation. Or at the very least, you’ll feel like it’s safe to talk about anxiety inducing topics.

Once you’ve completed several consultation appointments with therapists and asked them all the questions that are important to you, you’ll have a much clearer picture of which therapist to choose. You are ready to schedule your first full therapy session!

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