How To Choose The Right Therapist
If you're seeking therapy, don't settle for the first option. Take the time to find a therapist who understands your needs and makes you feel comfortable. How do you do that? With research, setting goals and asking questions.
What To Look for in a Therapist
1. Qualifications and Experience
Ensure your therapist is licensed and has experience dealing with the issues you’re facing. Therapists often have areas of specialization, such as depression, PTSD, or family therapy, which can provide more tailored treatment. If you see a therapist that looks like they treat everything it may be a pink flag that the therapist may not be as specialized as you may want or need.
2. Therapeutic Approach
There are many different therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and more. If you have a specific therapy that you feel you want to have then look for therapists who specialize it but know that it may not be the best fit for you. Discuss with the therapist their approach towards therapy, your needs, and if their approach(es) fit your needs. Make sure you feel comfortable with the approach the therapist recommends or find another therapist with an approach you feel more comfortable with.
3. Personal Compatibility
The therapeutic relationship is foundational to successful therapy. You should feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. Trust your gut—if you don’t feel at ease after a few sessions, it might be worth considering a different therapist.
4. Availability and Accessibility
Consider logistical factors like the therapist’s availability, the location of their office, or the option for online sessions. These factors can impact your ability to consistently attend therapy sessions. For instance I only offer virtual sessions because a lot of my clients are neurodivergent and suffer with time blindness so being able to do it from home takes away a lot of barriers to them getting to therapy.
Questions To Ask During Consultation
When considering engaging in therapy, you want to ask several key questions during the initial consultation to ensure this therapist is the right fit for you. Here are some questions to consider:
What are your qualifications and experience?
What is your approach to therapy?
Have you worked with people who have similar issues to mine?
What can I expect in the first few sessions?
How do you measure progress?
How long do you usually work with clients?
What is your policy on cancellations and scheduling appointments?
What are your fees, and do you accept insurance or offer a sliding scale?
How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
Can you describe how you typically handle crises or emergencies?
These questions not only help clarify expectations and logistics but also establish a foundation of trust and understanding, which is crucial for success.
When To Consider Therapy
Someone may consider therapy when they encounter feelings, behaviors, or situations that significantly impact their daily life and well-being. Some circumstances when seeking therapy might be especially beneficial are:
Persistent sadness or anxiety
Traumatic experiences
Substantial life changes such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or job loss.
Relationship difficulties
Harmful behaviors
Chronic illness or pain
Feeling overwhelmed
Self-improvement
Therapy can be a proactive step towards maintaining mental health, not just a response to crisis. If you find that any aspect of your mental state is affecting your quality of life, considering therapy could be a valuable step towards recovery and self-care.
Finding Help
Therapy isn’t just about talking - it’s about transforming.
At 1st Degree of Change, we offer therapy that address trauma, anxiety, and adhd, serving individuals with online therapy and telehealth available anywhere in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts and Indiana. To get started, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us, or schedule a free consultation today so we can talk about how things can change for the better.
