Things to Consider When Choosing A Therapist
So, you’ve decided you want to give therapy a try. Now comes the time to choose a therapist!
Choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting task - with so many different types of therapists and things to consider, you can easily feel a) overwhelmed with options or b) feel like you don’t have any options. Here are some things to consider when trying to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
Remember, as a human being, you have the right to choose who you want to be your therapist. Often times, people get a referral to a therapist and believe that they must now stick to that therapist. If your therapist is not a good fit for you, please find a new one. Even if you are on medicaid or uninsured, you have the right and ability to change to a therapist that is a better fit for you.
Identify your presenting problem - What is the reason you are considering therapy? Is it to cope with the feelings of grief of a loved one? Is it because you’ve started having panic attacks more frequently? Or is it because you just feel stuck in life and need some support and guidance to finding your purpose in life? When looking for a therapist, take a look at the problems and disorders that they specialize in treating. Some, if not most, therapists have a specialty - that is, the things they have spent ample time researching, being trained in and treating. While many therapists are trained to and have experience in treating a wide variety of symptoms and problems, it may be helpful to consider someone who specializes in the things you are struggling with most.
Know the difference between the types of therapists - L what? When browsing through your insurance companies directory of therapists or scrolling the internet to find a therapist in your area, you will find lots of different letters behind each therapists name. There are some differences in the types of therapists available to you, and understanding these differences may help you make a more informed decision about who to choose. Here are some of the general differences between each type of therapist
3. Determine what is important to you - Some people prefer to have a male or a female therapist, or have a therapist that closely identifies with their identity. Is your religion important to you and you’d prefer to have a therapist who uses a religious perspective in sessions? Do you want someone who is the same race and has a similar cultural background as you? Would you prefer someone a therapist who is significantly older and wiser than you or would you prefer someone closer to your age that you can possibly relate to? These are all things to consider when choosing what might be a good fit.
4. Remember what’s important - The therapeutic process generally involves you being vulnerable and open. Sharing aspects of yourself that you may not share with others. It is important that above all else, you feel comfortable with the therapist. This doesn’t mean that after one session of feeling unsure about a therapist you leave them and never come back! It’s important to acknowledge that sometimes it may take a few sessions to ‘vibe’ with your new therapist and be ready to divulge into intimate details of your life, and that’s okay. But if after session after session you recognize that you just don’t feel comfortable with this therapist, it is completely fine to consider searching for someone new.
What were some important things you considered when choosing a therapist? What do you love most about your therapist?