Five Tips for Finding the Best Therapist

Coming to terms with the fact that I needed help was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Once I made the decision to see a therapist, I figured it would be easy to find the right one and book an appointment. As I found, however, it can be difficult to find the right therapist, with the right approach and specializations. Particularly with sensitive and personal issues, we want to find someone who understands what we are going through and can provide understanding and help in a way that we can connect to and understand.

Finding the right therapist can take some time, and shouldn’t be a quick and easy task. Read about their qualifications and special interests, and the methods they use in their sessions. If you don’t connect with a therapist, it will be hard to make progress. Here are a few tips for finding the best therapist for you.

Research

Finding the best therapist for you is crucial in having a successful and positive experience in therapy. It is important to research clinics, practices, and resources in your community, as well as individual therapists.

There are many different types of therapeutic methods, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Integral Therapy to Relationship Therapy. In addition, there are particular areas where therapists will specialize that may be relevant to you, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. Deciding which specializations and which type of therapy might be right for you will help steer you towards particular therapists.

Ask people you trust for recommendations

It can be difficult to determine if a therapist is a good choice or not from a blurb on the internet.

With over 25% of people going to therapy at some point in their lives, there’s a good chance many of your friends and family have been as well and can be an excellent resource.

Asking people you trust for recommendations is a great place to start. They might have a specific therapist they have had good experiences with, or have input on the types of therapy.

Look for experience

After you think you may have found a good fit, make sure to verify that they are a certified therapist and have the corresponding credentials and licensing. Many practices offer discounted rates for sessions with trainee therapists, which can still be a great experience, but it is important to be aware that not every therapist is fully qualified.

Consider a Consultation

After you’ve found a therapist you think looks like a good fit, I’d recommend scheduling a phone call or consultation to determine if they feel like the right fit. Even if the therapist has the perfect record of accomplishment and reads great online, you might just not click or engage like you want them to.

Therapists have consultations all the time, so don’t feel like you will hurt their feelings by saying it isn’t the right fit. It is all about finding the right person to build a relationship with, and who connects to the issues you are experiencing.

Trust your gut

No matter what their background and qualifications are, the very most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can trust your therapist. If it feels right, even if they are a trainee therapist or do not have the most extensive degrees, they can absolutely be the right fit for you. In the same strain, if the therapist has a fantastic background and seems perfect on paper, but there is something not quite right in person, they aren’t the best fit for you.

Finding the best therapist is a bit like trying to find the perfect date – sometimes it might take a few tries before you find the right one. Don’t try to rush the process or make something work that doesn’t feel ideal. It might take a bit of time, but finding the best therapist for you will make your sessions more enjoyable and productive, and result in a much better experience. Now that you have an idea where to start, good luck in the search for the perfect therapist for you – they are out there and ready to help you.