There’s a process that happens before someone ever steps foot in a physical or virtual office to see a therapist. It may go something like this:
- Something’s not quite right
- I can figure it out on my own
- I’ll ask my (friends, family) for their advice
- I’ll look for answers online
- Therapy might help
- I can do this on my own
- What’s wrong with me
- I need therapy
- I need a therapist
- How do I find a therapist
- How do I choose a therapist
We’re going to explore these last two steps in depth because, let’s face it – it’s hard.
Finding a therapist can feel really overwhelming. Especially knowing where to look, what to look for, how to narrow the choices, etc.
As a therapist for nearly 20 years, I know a thing or two about the process of therapy. I also know that if you are brave enough to seek help, the last thing you need are barriers to getting that help.
That’s why I’ve created a 4-part series for Finding the Right Therapist, starting with the article you’re reading right now:
- Part 1: Knowing What You Need
- Part 2: Paying for Therapy
- Part 3: Finding Potential Therapists
- Part 4: Choosing Your Therapist
Each article will explore helpful tips with the ultimate goal of you finding the therapist for you.
Before you dive into even looking for a therapist, you need to know what you need. Seems simple. But sometimes when you’re struggling, you’re not thinking as clearly as you could be. So, start with these basic questions:
What am I struggling with?
Thanks to the interwebs most people know what anxiety and depression and other diagnoseable mental health issues are. But that might not be what you are struggling with. Struggle is HOW you are affected. Perhaps you have difficulty sleeping, or are arguing with your partner, or feeling easily irritable, or overwhelmed, or afraid to leave a person, place, or situation. Being able to articulate and put into words what you are struggling with will help you search for and ultimately find the right therapist for you.
Where do I want to get therapy?
There are more choices now than ever before. You can find therapists who have an office you visit that’s near your home, school, or workplace, therapists who will visit your home, and therapists who provide video and/or phone sessions while you are at home, school, or your workplace. Think about where you would prefer to get the help you need.
Other questions to answer before you start looking for a therapist:
- Do I want a male or female or non-binary therapist?
- Do I want a therapist who is part of and/or understands a particular community (race, religion, LGBTQ, etc.)?
- Do I need a therapist who specializes in a particular issue (eating disorders, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc.)?
In Part 2, we’ll explore options for paying for therapy.
