The helping profession is substantial and spans in various directions. As a therapist, it's essential for me to screen my clients and support potential clients in vetting me. Clients may sometimes experience internal dialogue and feelings surface when preparing to talk about intimate parts of their life; it takes courage to make that initial contact with a therapist. Here are five (5) areas and tips to consider when seeking the therapist that's the best fit for you.
Why therapy?
What's prompting you to inquire about therapy? Do you have a presenting concern or situation? If you aren't court-ordered to go, knowing your why" will help you get the most out of therapy and support your search for finding the best therapist for you. It's normal for people to show up to a therapy session with a specific problem. Then, three months later, they realize that their core issue is something they've never said to anyone.
If you don't know why you're going to therapy, why even go? I've been a client before; initially, I didn't know why I was going to therapy. I knew that my life left me with enough stuff to process. Things came up during my intake; although it wasn't significant, I became intrigued to explore more about myself. Had I been clear about why I was going to therapy, I wouldn't have chosen that particular therapist. She wasn't the best fit for me because of her approach, inability to connect, lack of cultural awareness, and dismissiveness. During the session, I felt a wave of frustration. It was like I was talking to myself. Be clear about at least one area you'd like to talk about.
Insurance & Fees
One obstacle to getting into therapy is the financial responsibility associated with each visit. Read the fine print on your insurance provider's website. Take the initiative to determine if your provider covers mental health services and copayment. Some therapists don't accept insurance; they're considered out-of-network. Out-of-network providers can supply invoices for potential reimbursement by your provider. When looking for a therapist, evaluate your finances, know the frequency you wish to be seen, and get the details on fees for the therapist of your choice. Consider your mental health an investment; prioritize and invest in yourself.
Specialty
It's not always necessary to see a therapist specializing in specific types of therapy or populations. However, working with a therapist who may be deemed an expert in your area of need has benefits. Therapists who specialize in specific areas are not just trained but usually certified. Certifications typically involve demonstrating knowledge through application via practicum or observation. The cost associated with credentials can run a pretty penny, an investment. Therapists who invest in themselves via specialty credentials will likely see many clients dealing with the same problem, giving them more experience in a specific area. Choosing a therapist specializing in your area of need means that you're likely to get someone with the most effective tools for your needs.
Personality
Having a therapist with a personality that you vibe with will enhance your progress. You're more likely to return for sessions and make progress when your therapist is likable. Likeability is vital in building trust. Have you ever divulged personal information to someone you don't vibe with? No! I can't give a list of traits to look for, but think about what you need to be vulnerable. If authenticity, sense of humor, or someone easygoing is what you need, you should assess for these traits.
Additionally, you're going to enjoy your sessions if your therapist's office is warm and inviting. Of course, the pandemic has increased the teletherapy option for many therapists. So, if you like the space you're in and feel comfortable seeing yourself on camera, you'll be fine!
Progress
One of the best ways to know if you have found the best therapist for yourself is to measure your progress. Progress may sound vague, but it's simple. Therapy progress increases awareness, shifting how you think or process adverse events in therapy. For me, progress is just showing up! Everything else is straightforward. It's something about connecting with someone enough to be vulnerable to surfacing emotions. Here are a few questions that I ask myself, and I'd encourage you to assess for yourself.
Do you want to go back for your next session?
Have you established goals with your therapist?
Are you developing a sense of awareness about yourself, problems in your life, or past trauma?
Can you see any change in your behaviors or thoughts?
Lastly, I always encourage my clients to advocate for themselves. If clients feel like their work with me isn't motivating or not progressing, I offer to support them in finding someone else. I haven't had to refer anyone out, but it doesn't mean it can't happen. If you continue to feel stuck and not progressing in therapy, that's okay. First, consider genuinely doing the work in and out of sessions. There is no magic to "fix" a person. Don't show up for two sessions then, post quotes on social media. That's not doing the work. No progress or slow progress means that you may need to reevaluate if you've found the best therapist for you.
Hopefully, these five tips to finding the best therapist for you are helpful. Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts. If you have suggestions that I didn't include, let me know. Please feel free to share this blog. It might be helpful for a loved one or friend! Be sure to subscribe.
