Coming to the decision to pursue therapy is a courageous step towards understanding yourself. It can also be a daunting task as you try to find the therapists that works best for you. Here are 3 steps to help you find the right therapist for you.
Investment: It is important to know what you are willing to invest for your therapy. This includes financially, distance wise and time wise.
How far are you willing to commute for therapy?
How much can you financially invest into your therapy? Will you be utilizing your insurance plan or paying out of pocket?
How much time are you willing to invest into your therapy? Are you wanting weekly or bi-weekly sessions?
Personality: Finding a therapist that you connect with is essential to your therapy process. It sometimes takes a few sessions before knowing whether the therapist you have picked is the right fit for you. To help narrow down, ask yourself these questions:
Do you want structured sessions or unstructured sessions?
Do you want a directive therapist or one that is indirective?
Male or female? Do you have a preference?
What training or knowledge do you want the therapist to have experience in?
Asking these questions can help you narrow down your search.
3.) Gut Instinct: Listen to your first feeling when you are looking into therapists. It is okay to look at a picture of a therapist and decide maybe they aren’t for you. It is okay if their website copy does not connect to you. Look for that feeling in your body that says you want to know more about this person's work and how they can help you. Find 2-3 therapists that you feel gut wise would be a good fit for you and reach out for a consultation before scheduling.
