So, you have decided to seek help but don’t know where to start? Well, finding the right therapist can be difficult. However, it is not impossible. It will take time, effort and some meticulous research on your part.
You want to find the right therapist that you can connect with and share everything with. This will only come with trust. This is why you need to find a therapist that you can trust.
To find such a trustworthy person you need to be patient and research a lot. However, here are a few tips that will help you find the right therapist.
Research
You can’t possibly connect with every therapist in your area. The research will help you look for things you want in your therapist and it will help you make a list of potential candidates.
The research will also tell you what therapies they offer and if they suit your needs. For example, going to an anxiety counselor will not help if you are looking for a relationship therapist. This is how the research will help you in narrowing down your choices.
Interview
Yes, this is possible and you have the complete right to do this. It is a standard procedure for people finding the right therapist. This is because you can’t be honest with someone you don’t trust or don’t know at all. An interview will help you in getting to know your potential therapist.
Here are a few questions you need to ask so you can have all the information you need:
- Their education and training history
- Policies and fees
- Years of experience
- Areas in which they specialize
If they have a license and if they do then which licensing body has issued it to them
Their experience in working with people that have a similar problem as you
Length of treatment and the backup option if it doesn’t work
All these are important questions that will give you peace of mind. Do remember that if a therapist hesitates in answering these then they are automatically not the right fit for you.
Trust your instincts
Your gut also tells you a lot about something. If someone doesn’t feel right, don’t choose them. Once you have gone through the process of research and interview, it is time to find the right therapist.
You have narrowed down your options by now and probably just a few people remain so how do you choose between them? If they have answered all your questions and provide the treatment you are looking for then go with your gut.
Choose the one that you felt the most at ease with. When you are seeking treatment you share many things that are intimate and personal so you will need a therapist you feel comfortable with. Trust your gut and follow your instincts and surely it will bring you a positive outcome.
Final words
Finding the right therapist may take time but once you do your healing journey will begin. You should be proud of yourself for going so far in seeking help for yourself. This is the first step and the one that matters the most. Once you put the work in, the results will start to show themselves. Trust yourself, trust the therapist and let your journey begin.